Greater Arlington Chamber Of Commerce

In a world where innovation is the driving force behind progress, it’s more crucial than ever to nurture creativity and the entrepreneurial spirit in young minds. Proudly entering its 18th year, the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the rollout of the “What’s Your Big Idea?” Entrepreneurship Contest to Arlington Independent School District (AISD) students. Managed by the Partners in Education Committee, this contest not only provides students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of entrepreneurship but provides them with the essential skills that are applicable in any career they choose in the future.

“The “What’s Your Big Idea?” Entrepreneurship Contest is an annual tradition, celebrating its 18th year of inspiring AISD students to transform their creative ideas into entrepreneurial ventures,” said Chamber President & CEO Michael Jacobson, “Whether it’s an innovative product, a groundbreaking service, or a unique social enterprise, this contest encourages students to dream big and develop business concepts that have the potential to make a positive impact on their communities and beyond.”

The contest officially kicks off on October 9, 2023, marking the beginning of an exciting journey for AISD students to explore their entrepreneurial aspirations. Students will have until January 12, 2024, to submit their contest entries. For detailed guidelines, resources, and updates, students and educators can visit arlingtontx.com/bigidea. 

The “What’s Your Big Idea?” Entrepreneurship Contest continues to thrive through the generous support of The College of Business and the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington. These institutions recognize the significance of fostering entrepreneurial thinking in students and have generously sponsored the program to provide a printed, modified contest guide for every AISD student in 3rd-8th grade. 

AISD high school students have the opportunity to participate in an elevated version of the contest they remember from elementary and junior high school. High School students work in teams of 3-5 to develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges we face in our community provided by the City of Arlington. City challenges will be released with the contest kickoff on October 9! Learn more at arlingtontx.com/bigidea/hs.

As a member of the Arlington business community, we invite you to be a part of their journey by becoming a volunteer judge, click here to sign up.

The journey towards entrepreneurship begins here, and it promises to be a transformative experience for all participants. Get ready to share your big idea with the world and inspire the future of innovation in Arlington!