North Platte Young Professionals
The North Platte Young Professionals are proud to announce the 2023 Finalist in the Big Idea North Platte business pitch contest. There was a 31% increase of submissions this year which shows the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and growing in North Platte.
There are nine finalists for the Community Category: Brandon Thomas, Joshua Howell, Jessica Braithwait, Nathan Goebel, Brandon McCook, Jordan Maassen, Tayler Eller, Rodger Farr, and Mindee Mohr.
There are seven finalists for the Youth Category: Aashi Naidoo, Rose Green, Ava Welch, Logan Robirds, Landon Shepherd, Dany Zheng, and Mason Giebler.
Big Idea North Platte business pitch contest is taking place on Wednesday, October 18th at Venue 304, located at 304 East 5th Street, North Platte.
The Social for Big Idea North Platte begins at 5:00pm. The main event starts at 6:00pm when the top 9 finalists in the community category, the top seven in the youth category give a two-minute idea pitch and then go through a short question and answer session. From there, they will be narrowed down to the top five finalists. The judges will select the top 5 in the community category and top three for the youth category. Once the top finalists are announced, audience members will decide who takes home the first, second, and third place prizes. Contestants are encouraged to bring their friends, colleagues, and fans to secure their place. There is no admission fee to attend Big Idea North Platte. Food trucks and a cash bar will be available.
Prize money has been pledged by the Eagle Communication through the Schmidt Foundation for the Community Category. Winners will receive: first place - $10,000, second place - $7,000, and third place - 3,000. Scholarships for the Youth Category were made possible by Mid Plains Community College and will be awarded for those who win in the amount of: first place- $2,500, second place $1,500, and third place $1,000. Each 1st place winner will also receive marketing packages courtesy of Eagle Communications and The North Platte Telegraph. RA Production has also pledged marketing for the first place Community winner.
Big Idea North Platte pitch contest is made possible through the support of our amazing sponsors, Eagle Communications, North Platte Chamber and Development, Beveridge INC, RA Production, Pro Printing & Graphics, North Platte Telegraph, HUB International- Tanner Pettera, Mid Plains Community College, Center for Rural Affairs, Dawson Public Power District, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, and University of Nebraska Kearney.