CONTEST OVERVIEW
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Arlington ISD, is proud to announce the return of the high school expansion of the What’s Your Big Idea? Entrepreneurship Contest (WYBIEC)!
This contest is a fantastic resume builder, and it allows you to be imaginative and resourceful. You’ll learn a lot about the entrepreneurial process as well. Learn more about this contest at www.arlingtontx.com/BigIdea/HS.
This year, we’re introducing a new theme to challenge students to think beyond the ideas of today and explore the opportunities of tomorrow.
CONTEST THEME 2027
Leading in the future means anticipating change, identifying opportunities, and creating solutions that help people, businesses, and communities thrive - not just adapt.
The future will be shaped by how we respond to changing industries, emerging technologies, evolving community needs, and new economic opportunities. Tomorrow's leaders won't simply wait for solutions to appear. They'll identify challenges, challenge assumptions, and turn bold ideas into businesses that create lasting value.
The next generation of leaders will be the people who recognize opportunities where others see challenges. Through the What’s Your Big Idea? Entrepreneurship Contest, students have the opportunity to think like entrepreneurs, challenge the status quo, and develop innovative solutions that can make a lasting difference in Arlington.
Your idea doesn't have to change the entire world. It needs to solve a real problem, serve a real customer and have the potential to make our community stronger.
Don't just imagine the future. Build a business that helps create it.
- Discover: Identify an overlooked problem, unmet need, or emerging opportunity.
- Create: Develop an innovative solution.
- Validate: Demonstrate why it is needed and how it works.
- Sustain: Explain who benefits, who pays, and how the business survives.
- Lead Responsibly: Consider who might be excluded, what could go wrong, and how success will be measured.
HOW TO ENTER
The “What’s Your Big Idea?” Entrepreneurship Contest is open to students attending any of the Arlington ISD high school campuses in grades 9th-12th. To enter, students must:
- ORGANIZE YOUR TEAM
- Establish a team of three (3) to five (5) members. Teams smaller than three students or larger than five students will be disqualified.
- Team members do not have to attend the same school and grade level and ages may vary. All students MUST be enrolled in one of the nine (9) Arlington ISD high schools.
- CHOOSE A CHALLENGE TO SOLVE
- Click Here to view the full challenge description and make sure to select the challenge # your team is taking on in the entry form below.
- GET STARTED
- Brainstorm a new solution for the revealed challenge.
- Ensure each team member holds a specific responsibility in the collaborative process.
- Provide detailed solutions to the problem, including all the steps in the process.
- CREATE YOUR TEAM'S VIDEO PITCH
- Communicate your team's solution in a 2-3-minute video presentation to be attached to this entry form. Videos less than two minutes or over three minutes in length will not be evaluated.
- SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY
- Complete and submit your Entry Form by the deadline.
DEADLINE: SUN, MARCH 7, 2027 AT 11:59PM CST
JUDGING
Entries will be evaluated by entrepreneurs and business/community leaders based solely on the video presentation. Teams must also document their idea development and brainstorming.
Review the Team Checklist at www.arlingtontx.com/BigIdea/HS to ensure all requirements are met.
- Team organization and collaboration
- Innovation and problem-solving
- Communication of the idea and its value
- Business viability and implementation
The most innovative and viable team from each challenge will be selected as a TOP WINNER TEAM!
CONTEST TIMELINE
- October 14 - Challenges Released
- March 7 - Entry & Video Pitch Due at 11:59 pm CST
- March 22 - Top Winning Teams Announced
- April 2027 - Recognition & Networking Event
RECOGNITION
Win individual prizes and an exciting gift bag valued at approximately $1,000–$2,000! Gain recognition for your Team’s creativity, showcase your entrepreneurial skills, and explore the potential to turn your big idea into a real business. Top winners will be recognized at a special awards ceremony in April 2027.