July 9, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Box Butte County Launches “Big Idea” Grant with $40,000 Funding Boost
Entrepreneurs to Benefit from Local and Regional Support
Box Butte County, Neb. — July 8, 2025 — Local entrepreneurs in Box Butte County
have a new opportunity to launch or expand their businesses thanks to a combined
$40,000 grant awarded to the Big Idea Box Butte County program. The funding comes
through the partnership of Eagle Media, the Schmidt Foundation, Hemingford
Community Foundation and the Box Butte Development Corporation, and will
support the initiative over the next two years.
Big Idea Box Butte County is a pitch competition and business incubator designed to
help local start-ups and existing businesses secure capital and receive expert
mentoring. The program features a single application round, followed by a live pitch
event where finalists compete for cash awards up to $10,000, alongside local and
expert guidance.
The Schmidt Foundation, based in Hays KS, and committed to “improving the quality
of life in our communities,” is a key backer of the grant program. Eagle Media, serving
western Nebraska with both radio and digital platforms, has also committed its support
and promotional efforts to ensure entrepreneurs across Box Butte County are reached
and engaged.
“By continuing our investment in entrepreneurship, we’re helping fuel economic growth,
job creation, and innovation for years to come,” said Hannah Robinson, Executive
Director for Box Butte Development Corporate. “We’re proud to spotlight the creativity
and drive of Box Butte residents.”
Key program details:
• Applications open June 2025, with submissions due by August 8. A total of
$17,500 in cash awards will be offered at the next pitch event on October 1,
2025, at Alliance’s West Side Event Center.
• Winners receive prize money, networking opportunities, and mentorship from
the Nebraska Business Development Center and local business leadership.
Interested individuals with business concepts—ranging from product innovation to
service startups—can apply online at BigIdeaBoxButte.com.
Following the live event, the Big Idea Board will continue activities by awarding $40,000
over the next two grant cycles, providing lasting support to entrepreneurs throughout the
county.
With this newly secured funding, the Box Butte county-wide initiative aims to empower
innovators, foster regional economic resilience, and build a sustainable future for local
businesses.
About the Box Butte Development Corporation
A local nonprofit organization focused on economic development, including
entrepreneurship, workforce training, and growth across Box Butte County.
About the Schmidt Foundation
A private foundation dedicated to improving the quality of life in communities through
philanthropic support of projects and organizations that promote well-being,
development, and innovation.
About the Hemingford Community Foundation
The Hemingford Community Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in
Hemingford and the surrounding area by supporting projects that promote community
growth, sustainability, and pride. Through partnerships, donations, and local
engagement, the Foundation works to strengthen the economic, cultural, and social
well-being of the community for generations to come.
About Eagle Media
A Nebraska-based, employee-owned media company operating radio stations and news
websites across the Midwest, dedicated to community storytelling and local business
promotion.