Rules
Competition Rules
We’ve put some guidelines together in a few handy little PDFs which can be downloaded, printed and kept for reference. Just make sure your dog doesn’t eat it. Visit the Advisor and Student resource pages for examples, how-to’s, and other help around creating a business concept. Visit the Prizes page and FAQ’s page for additional information.
Judging Criteria
Below are the guidelines and rubrics that will be used by the BIG Idea judges. Round 1 includes the scoring criteria for the written applications submitted via the website. These scores will determine the top 8 finalists. Round 2 is the scoring criteria for the verbal presentation given by the finalists. The place order of the finalists is determined solely by the rankings of the Round 2 judges.
Judging the Wellness Category (sponsored by Independent Health Solutions)
To enter this category, students’ business concept must promote wellness. Wellness is defined as a state of being in good physical and mental health. Students must check the Wellness box in the Entry form under the Business Name section to be submitted in this category. The sponsor will choose the winner of the Wellness category from the top 10 highest scoring entries in the category. The winning prize is $500 cash and a $500 scholarship to Northern State University.
Judging the Agriculture Innovation Category* (sponsored by South Dakota Agriculture Foundation)
To enter this category, students’ business concept must promote agriculture by incorporating innovation, technology and/or leadership into agriculture or agriculture education. Students must check the agriculture innovation category box in the entry form under the business name section to be submitted into this category. The top 10 scoring entries will be submitted to the sponsor who will determine the winner of this category. The winning prize is $500 cash and a $500 scholarship to Northern State University. This category can only be won by a South Dakota student.
Judging the Hometown Business Category* (sponsored by South Dakota Retailers Association)
To enter this category, students’ business concept must promote small town business. The Hometown Business Category must be a brick-and-mortar retail, hospitality, grocery, or trade business. The business should also have an online presence but needs to have a physical storefront component, not online only. The category will also be judged based on if the business idea would be suitable in a community with a smaller population. Students must check the Hometown Business category box in the entry form under the business name section to be submitted into this category. The top 10 scoring entries will be submitted to a panel of retailers who will determine the winner of this category. The winning prize is $500 cash and a $500 scholarship to Northern State University. This category can only be won by a South Dakota student.
Judging the Makers Award Category* (sponsored by Blackout Industries)
To enter this category, students’ business concept must promote manufacturing. The Makers Award Category must be a business that creates and builds a physical product, which can include either a custom product built one at a time or a product that is made in larger quantities. Students must check the Makers Award category box in the entry form under the business name section to be submitted into this category. The top 10 scoring entries will be submitted to the sponsor who will determine the winner of this category. The winning prize is $500 cash and a $500 scholarship to Northern State University. This category can only be won by a South Dakota student.