The North Platte Young Professionals are proud to announce the 2025 Finalists in the Big Idea North Platte business pitch contest. There were over 40 unique and thorough submissions this year. Seventeen of those ideas will have a chance to pitch at the Live Event on October 29th at Venue304.
There are eight finalists for the Community Category: Will Peers, Laureesa Gillock, David Dorwart, Kevin Wood, Kirsten Parker, Beck Pearson, Chloe Bear Killer, and Ryan Araujo.
There are nine finalists for the Youth Category: Alexis Nelson, Hope Dodson, AJ Uecker, Addison Hanna, Ryker Atkins, Katie Titus, Hayden Zogg, Corrine Hammond, and Elise Eickhoff.
Big Idea North Platte business pitch contest is taking place on Wednesday, October 29th 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 eight finalists in the community category, the top nine 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 Keenan Management and Trego-Dugan Aviation for the Community Category. Winners will receive: first place - $8,000, second place - $4,000, and third place - $2,9000. Scholarships for the Youth Category will be awarded for those who win in the amount of: first place- $2,000, second place $1,000, and third place $500 thanks to Walmart DC and Great Plains Health. Mid Plains Community College is also awarding the top three finalists $250 towards dual credit fees for books and course fees.
Big Idea North Platte pitch contest is made possible through the support of our amazing sponsors, North Platte Chamber and Development, Dawson Public Power District, Pro Printing & Graphics, Nebraska Business Development Center, Nebraska Enterprise Fund, Center for Rural Affairs, NebraskaLand Bank, HUB International- Tanner Pettera, and Whitetail Management.