North Platte, Neb – The annual Big Idea North Platte business pitch event is back, shining a spotlight on innovation and entrepreneurship in our community on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with a social hour at Venue 304, 304 E. 5th St., giving attendees a chance to mingle and network, followed by live pitch presentations starting at 6 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
This year’s competition is split into two categories: the Community stream for adult entrepreneurs and the Youth stream for up‑and‑coming student innovators. More than 40 submissions were received from across North Platte and the surrounding region. Eight finalists will compete in the Community category: Will Peers, Laureesa Gillock, David Dorwart, Kevin Wood, Kirsten Parker, Beck Pearson, Chloe Bear Killer, and Ryan Araujo. In the Youth category, nine finalists will take the stage: Alexis Nelson, Hope Dodson, A.J. Uecker, Addison Hanna, Ryker Atkins, Katie Titus, Hayden Zogg, Corrine Hammond, and Elise Eickhoff.
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Prize money and scholarships are on the line for both categories. In the Community stream, first place will earn $8,000, second place $4,000, and third $2,900. In the Youth stream, first place receives $2,000, second $1,000, and third $500, with additional dual‑credit book and tuition awards available through Mid Plains Community College for top youth finalists.
The event offers more than just competition. It provides a platform for local entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas, receive feedback from a live audience and a panel of judges, and gain visibility in the community. It also fosters networking among innovators, supporters, and business‑community members, creating connections that could spark future ventures. Attendees can expect a lively evening with food trucks on site, a cash bar, and the excitement of seeing fresh business ideas come to life. From the initial field of applicants, judges will narrow the finalists down, and the audience will even have the opportunity to help decide the winners.
Big Idea North Platte is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of creativity, ambition, and community spirit. Whether you’re supporting a friend, scouting local talent, or just looking for a fun, inspiring evening, this event is a chance to experience innovation in action and witness the next wave of business ideas that could shape North Platte’s future.