Have you been searching for the right place to pitch that unique or original idea that solves a problem or creates a convenience?

The Big Idea Competition is the event for you! Imagine your audience is made up of potential investors or you're making a video for a Go Fund Me page or pitching on "Shark Tank." Then, submit your video online to the competition to compete for cash prizes.

Competition Overview

The Big Idea Competition is an opportunity for AACC students to pitch a unique or original business idea via video submissions. You are encouraged to get creative and identify opportunities that solve a problem or create convenience. Your video should be persuasive, imagining that your audience is made up of potential investors.

Online judges will review submitted videos and score submissions.

Finalists will be announced Tuesday, Nov. 3. Finalists will be invited to showcase at the Big Idea Viewing Party and Awards Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5-7 p.m. in HLSB 100.

Cash Prizes

First Place: $2,500

Second Place: $1,000

Third Place: $500

Fan Favorite: $1,000

Important Dates

Deadline to apply: Thursday, Oct. 22, at noon

Finalists announced: Tuesday, Nov. 3, by noon 

Showcase and Awards Ceremony: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 5-7 p.m. in HLSB 100

Submission Rules

• Must be an AACC student in good standing, financially and academically, who is currently enrolled in at least one credit or noncredit course or has completed at least one course at AACC between Jan. 1 and Oct. 22, 2026.
• Must have an AACC student ID
• Must complete the FAFSA
• If a group enters, at least 50% – preferably more – of the group must meet the above enrollment criteria. All group members must be clearly identified in the submission, and a contact name, telephone number and email address must be provided.
• All ideas must be original. The entrant must attest to those facts in the submission.
• Big Idea must identify how technology will be used in your business. The idea can be a tech idea, tech enabled, and/or it can incorporate technology in some way. 
• By submitting your Big Idea, you understand, agree and authorize your video to be viewed publicly.
• Must submit a link to a YouTube video online by the deadline of noon on Thursday, Oct. 22. Video rules and tips: 
  • • Maximum length: 120 seconds. Videos will be cut after 120 seconds.
    • Use a microphone as close to your subject as possible without getting it in the shot. You can also use a clip-on lavaliere (lapel) mic.
    • Make sure your surroundings are quiet unless that is part of your video.
    • Use good lighting. Make sure your subject is well lit. Shoot outdoors if possible.
    • Watch for “photo bombers,” as they will rob your viewer’s attention.
    • Shoot your video in landscape instead of portrait mode.

Thank you to the Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE) Everyday Entrepreneur Venture Fund for supporting this competition.