The 19th Annual What’s Your Big Idea? Entrepreneurship Contest Awards Ceremony showcased a multitude of innovation and talent. In partnership with the Arlington Independent School District and the University of Texas at Arlington, the Chamber annually hosts the contest for third through eighth-grade Arlington ISD students with an expanded version of the contest available to high school students.
Launching in the fall of each school year, the contest requires students to share their big ideas as either an original advertisement or essay describing a product they could sell or a business they could create, cultivating creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation.
A panel of volunteer judges selected 689 finalists from thousands of submissions. The finalists are then honored at the Awards Ceremony where the top winners – first, second and third place – are announced. The top 36-winning students and their teachers received a gift bag from local businesses to celebrate their accomplishment.
In addition, first-place winners received a scholarship to attend an exclusive one-week summer camp. The Big Idea Lab, created in partnership between the Chamber and the University of Texas at Arlington, is designed to nurture their promising entrepreneurial spirit and develop their award-winning big ideas. With expert guidance and hands-on activities, they will not only expand on their initial concepts but also learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, laying a foundation for future success no matter which career they choose.
The What’s Your Big Idea Entrepreneurship Contest would not be possible without the generous support of our volunteers and sponsors. Thank you for fostering entrepreneurial thinking in AISD students!
Contest Underwriters & Venue Sponsors: UTA College of Business, UTA College of Engineering
The Big Idea Lab Camp Presenting Sponsor: UTA Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Development
Medal Sponsor: City of Arlington
Registration Sponsor: Spring Creek Barbeque
Photo Booth Sponsor: Tarrant County College
Finalists Recognition Sponsors: Neighborhood Credit Union, Arlington Highlands, Chick-fil-A North Collins St., Digital Corporate Services
Interested in playing a part in the entrepreneurial journey of the incredible students of AISD? Click HERE to see how you can be involved in next year’s contest and awards ceremony.