
My Big Idea is hosted by The Biz Foundry, a nonprofit organization working for entrepreneurs and innovators in the Upper Cumberland. The Biz Foundry is based in Cookeville, Tennessee and offers workspaces, workshops, and events to support entrepreneurs and innovative collaboration. The Biz Foundry is dedicated to helping all participants of My Big Idea.
The Biz Foundry created and launched My Big Idea in 2017 as a youth innovation and idea generator program. This hands-on program takes the students through business idea generation, idea evaluation, and business model development. Each program ends with a 24 Hour Grand Finale event where teams prepare a business pitch to present to a panel of business-veteran judges in hopes of winning cash prizes.
Mission
Our goal is to show kids in rural areas they are not limited by where they live. Greatness is not limited by geographic location, and we want to help spark that fire in the youth of the Upper Cumberland. We want to keep innovation and entrepreneurship thriving in the present and future generations.
Goals
We want to cultivate passion, to help generate ideas and innovative solutions to problems, and to teach the skills for building and executing those ideas. We aim to teach youth how to present their ideas and solutions to the public. In the end, we hope to leave students with pride in having done something real and meaningful.
The Process
My Big Idea is a four week program where participants meet once a week. Each week, a different topic.
Week 1
Spark excitement, learn to see problems, discover your role, and learn to be innovative.
Week 2
Discover the basic framework for evaluating good ideas, and learn how to use the business model canvas.
Week 3
Discuss findings from customer discovery and how to use that info to find the best fit solution.
Week 4
Learn how to make money and make strategic partners.
Each program ends with a grand finale event where students pitch their business idea to a panel of judges and compete for cash prizes.
Bring My Big Idea to your Community
Are you interested in hosting My Big Idea in your community? Contact us at info@mybigidea.org to get started.
We look forward to speaking with you!
Donate
Any amount helps us achieve our goals
Donating to My Big Idea means you're supporting high school students in the Upper Cumberland region achieve their dreams. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, your donation is fully tax deductible.
You can donate online or mail a check.
Mailing instructions:
Checks Payable to: The Biz Foundry
Attention: Jeff Brown
The Biz Foundry
140 W. 7th St.
Cookeville, TN 38501
Want to get involved and love working with kids?
We are always look for volunteers and program facilitators to help with My Big Idea. Let us know you are interested! Email us at info@mybigidea.org. We look forward to speaking with you!
Youth turning their passions and ideas into something real

Past Programs
Jackson County - February 2017
Macon County - February 2017
Van Buren County - February 2017
White County - February 2017
Warren County - February 2017
24 Hour Grand Finale Event - March 10th - March 11th at TTU Memorial Gym
Judges
- Charlie Jordan - Co-Founder, SafeSurv
- Alane Boyd - Vice President, GoFanbase
- Barbara Fleming - Retired MD
24 Hour Grand Finale Event - March 10th - 11th at TTU Memorial Gym | Group photo taken at 3:00AM!
Testimonials
"This was an incredible experience. I appreciate the opportunity to be part of it. The young people who participated in this are simply fantastic and we know the future of our area and the country are in good hands (THAT was my biggest "take-away")"
- Barbara Fleming, 2017 Judge
Upcoming Programs
Fentress County
at York Institute and Clarkrange High School
Schedule:
Wed, April 12th, 3:30PM - 6:00pm - Clarkrange HS
Wed, April 19th, 3:30PM - 6:00pm - York Institute, Jamestown
Wed, April 26th, 3:30PM - 6:00pm - Clarkrange HS
Grand Finale Event:
Friday, April 28th 5:00PM - Saturday, April 29th 5:00PM
(Location to be announced soon)
Putnam County
at Cookeville High School
Schedule:
Tues, April 11th 3:30 - 6:00pm
Tues, April 18th, 3:30 - 6:00pm
Tues, April 25th, 3:30 - 6:000pm
Grand Finale Event:
Friday, April 28th 5:00PM - Saturday, April 29th 5:00PM
(Location to be announced soon)
Cumberland County
at Cumberland County High School
Schedule:
Wed, April 12th 3:30 - 5:30pm
Wed, April 19th, 3:30 - 5:30pm
Fri, April 21st, 3:30 - 5:30pm
Wed, April 26th, 3:30 - 5:30pm
Grand Finale Event:
Friday, April 28th 5:00PM - Saturday, April 29th 5:00PM
(Location to be announced soon)
Morgan County
at Morgan County Vocational Tech Center
Schedule:
Thurs, April 20th 4:00 - 7:00pm (EASTERN TIME)
Thurs, April 27th, 4:00 - 7:00pm
Thurs, May 4th, 4:00 - 7:00pm
Grand Finale Event:
Saturday, May 6th 9:00AM - 7:00PM at the Vo-Tech Center
We'd love to hear from you
Interested in participating or getting involved with My Big Idea? Contact us to get started.
The Biz Foundry
140 W. 7th Street
Cookeville, TN 38501
Phone: 931.210.5105