A chance to win cash prizes and get a startup idea is coming back to UNK. Applications for Big Idea UNK are now open for students to submit entrepreneurial ideas until Oct. 25.
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development is spearheading the competition to encourage students to come forward with ideas.
Sarah Bennett, the director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development, is opening her doors to be of as much service as possible for students wanting to get involved.
“No matter the major, we want to help students be prepared for life after graduation with integrating these experiential learning opportunities and maybe tapping into some ideas they’ve had over the years,” Bennett said.
Big Idea Kearney was originally started in 2011, and until last year, was divided into Big Idea UNK and Big Idea Buffalo County. Big Idea Kearney had been offered to UNK students, Kearney-area residents and high school students.
Now, the division is believed to be “more fitting for college students’ schedules, goals, and campus life,” according to the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development’s website.
Last year’s spring winner, Alexis Bernthal, pitched an idea called PhysSpeaks with the intent of creating billing software and note-taking for small practice physical therapy offices. After the competition, the Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development was able to offer her funding to get her business off the ground, as well as connect her with resources to get a foot in the door.
The second-place winner, Zion Moyer, took the opportunity to start a company outside of his major. Moyer was an education major who now teaches and also runs a traveling mini golf company on the side.
The ideas can be retail-based, technology-driven, a product invention, food service or service-based. The UNK website offers the link to apply and other details to include.
The top 10 finalists will be determined by a panel of judges and will then move on to a live pitch event on Nov. 5 in Discovery Hall. First, second and third place will earn a combination of cash prizes and giveaways.
Live pitch night will also feature a guest judge: the audience. Those who attend will play a role in deciding who will win with a voting system. The event will also contain presentations, past winners and the Roaming Green Mini Golf Company, started by Moyer.
The Center for Entrepreneurship and Rural Development will continue to play a part before, during and after submissions, and leaders encourage students to look at the opportunities being offered through the event.
“We want to show students that creating businesses in college is possible, and we’re here to create opportunities for them to learn about entrepreneurship and be supported in that journey after graduation,” Bennett said.
