Top winners of the 2026 “What’s Your Big Idea?” Entrepreneurship Contest (WYBI) spent a week this summer at The Big Idea Lab, an exclusive camp where they brought their award-winning ideas to life. In partnership with the University of Texas at Arlington’s Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology Development (CETD), these Arlington ISD students explored business development topics, created a brand identity and expanded their entrepreneurial spirit.
In partnership with Arlington ISD and the University of Texas at Arlington, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce annually hosts the What’s Your Big Idea? Entrepreneurship Contest for third through eighth grade Arlington ISD students with an expanded version of the contest available to high school students.
To participate in the contest, each student shares their big idea in the form of an original advertisement or essay describing a product they could sell or a business they could create. In February, finalists were recognized, and the top winners were announced at an awards ceremony and invited to attend camp.
During each camp day, students dive deeper into what it means to make their ideas a reality. Students learn five vocabulary words around the day’s topic, helping them understand how to communicate from an e-ship perspective. They work in teams throughout the week, strengthening their skills in public speaking, problem-solving and strategic thinking.
“Serving as the instructor for The Big Idea Lab camp has been one of the most inspiring and humbling experiences,” Jackie Below, camp instructor, said. “From the moment that they thought of their big idea all the way to the point that we’re at today, these students have worked so hard. If you look around the room, you can see that. Throughout camp, they have become partners. They have challenged one another’s ideas. They’ve given each other support.”
The week-long camp ends with a special pitching day, where students pitch their big ideas to a live audience of family members, Chamber Board Members and Staff, local entrepreneurs and community leaders.
“At the Chamber, we love big ideas because big ideas are the foundation of innovation, and our world will need your ideas,” Dr. Kenyon Godwin, past Chamber board chair, told the camp participants during pitch day. “So, continue to refine your ideas and never give up on them.”
The Greater Arlington Chamber has proudly partnered with AISD for 20 years to host this contest and encourage entrepreneurship. The Chamber is committed to cultivating and celebrating the innovative spirit of our future leaders. The Big Idea Lab was introduced in 2019 and has always partnered with UTA.
Interested in playing a part in the entrepreneurial journey of the incredible students of AISD? Contact Alicia Collins-Butler, Sr. Director of Education, Workforce & Community Development.
The Chamber’s Partners in Education program (PIE) bridges the gap between the business and education communities. Going on its 20th year in partnership with AISD, PIE provides a multitude of opportunities for business and community leaders to connect with the future generation including practicum programs, an annual entrepreneurship contest, campus beautification projects, scholarships and more.