Big Idea Hastings is happening on Tuesday, November 7th, 2023 at the Lark in Downtown Hastings. Social will start at 5:30 PM and pitch night will start at 6:30 PM.

Idea submission will open on Saturday, August 5th, 2023 and closes on Monday, October 16th, 2023 at midnight. Click here to submit your idea.

Business or product ideas for Hastings (and beyond...eventually). It can be retail-based, technology-driven, a product invention, food service, service-based, a nonprofit, etc. The sky is the limit! If you are unsure whether your idea is the right fit or not, please contact us.

Anyone that wants to open their business in the Hastings area! We encourage students, locals, retirees, and anywhere in between to submit an idea.

We also request that you are 19 years or older to submit an idea. Not 19 or older? If your idea is accepted, we’ll just need your parent/guardian’s permission to submit.

Simple answer is yes, but keep reading. Businesses two years old or less are eligible to participate. However, there must be some obvious expansion in your submission. This could be something like moving to an official brick and mortar, adding a new product line, etc.

Yes, you can! We have had those types of ideas submitted and selected in the past. However, it is important to think about your role in the project. Ideas that have a clear leader and path are favored in the selection and judging process.

You bet there are! All finalists receive something including gift bags, access to professional services, and startup cash! Plus, the networking and connections you receive at this event is invaluable. Check out our Prizes page for prize details.

Yes, at the Lark in Downtown Hastings! If you've been to this event before, you know the energy in the room is contagious and inspiring. Being in-person is an important aspect to Big Idea and it wouldn't feel the same behind a screen.

Yes, you can submit more than one idea. However, you can only pitch one idea. So, the preliminary judges will know if two ideas were submitted by one person and know that both ideas are ineligible to move forward. If you have idea that you favor over the other, submit that idea and save the other for next time!

If you have a question that you don’t see here, contact us. We will add your questions to this page. If you have a question, someone else probably does, too!