--- title: Big Idea Returns to Norfolk description: Big Idea Norfolk showcases local entrepreneurs pitching innovative ideas for funding. Discover the winners and insights from this year's event. image: https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hubfs/DSC04906.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/big-idea-returns-to-norfolk#main-content) Close - [the space](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/the-space) - [pricing](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/memberships) - [Book a Room](https://intersectcoworking.skedda.com/booking) - [incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/incubator) - [events](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/events) - [about](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/about) - [Build in Norfolk](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/build-in-norfolk) - [blog](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog) - jobs - [Remote INC Portfolio Company Positions](https://jobs.investnebraska.com/jobs?q=remote) - [Local Norfolk Positions](https://jobs.norfolknow.org/) [buy a day pass](https://app.hubspot.com/payments/CbAWvVxRRR?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK) [![logo](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png?width=1134&height=295&name=intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png "logo")](http://intersectcoworking.com) - [the space](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/the-space) - [pricing](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/memberships) - [Book a Room](https://intersectcoworking.skedda.com/booking) - [incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/incubator) - [events](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/events) - [about](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/about) - [Build in Norfolk](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/build-in-norfolk) - [blog](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog) - jobs - [Remote INC Portfolio Company Positions](https://jobs.investnebraska.com/jobs?q=remote) - [Local Norfolk Positions](https://jobs.norfolknow.org/) [buy a day pass](https://app.hubspot.com/payments/CbAWvVxRRR?referrer=PAYMENT_LINK) [Intersect Coworking and Incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/author/intersect-coworking-and-incubator) Oct 30, 2026, 8:17:00 AM 12 min read # Big Idea Returns to Norfolk [Previous](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/unleashing-innovation-highlights-from-the-wsc-idea-lab-workshop) ## Big Idea Returned to Norfolk on October 22, 2026 On October 22, 2026, The Cove at the Midtown Event Center filled up with entrepreneurs and community members for the second Big Idea Norfolk pitch competition. The evening kicked off at 5:30 PM with a happy hour and hors d’oeuvres, giving all attendees a chance to network. Then at 6:00pm the Shark-Tank style competition began. Nine entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges and more than 60 community members, for the chance to secure funding and resources to move their ideas forward. ## What is Big Idea Norfolk? Big Idea Norfolk is an annual pitch competition hosted by Intersect Coworking & Incubator, which operates under Invest Nebraska. Entrepreneurs apply in advance, a group of finalists is selected, and those finalists pitch live for a chance to win funding and resources. For entrepreneurs and early-stage startups, the Big Idea pitch competition is a chance to share their ideas and gain visibility and feedback, both of which are vital for anyone looking to grow a business. It also helps them strengthen their business models and presentation skills. Pitch competitions benefit the local community too. Rural communities like Norfolk gain a lot from recurring events that give entrepreneurs a place to share their ideas close to home. Each new business adds jobs and spending to the local economy, and a community that backs its founders early has a better shot at keeping that growth in the region. ## The 2026 Winners After each entrepreneur pitched, the judges had the difficult task of selecting this year’s winners. This year’s Top 5 are CredSync by Suzanne Scott, Farmhand on Demand by Ashley Babl, WebpageIQ by Dylan Frohberg, Heat and Eat Gluten Free Meals by Kim Gradberg, and Andrea’s Minipancakes Cafe by Andrea Gonzalez.  Ashley Babl took home the first-place prize and $3,000 in funding to help grow her business. Her idea Farmhand on Demand is an agricultural labor marketplace that connects farmers and ranchers with workers who have the skills and desire to work in agriculture. The idea grew out of Ashley’s experience as a farmer, where she often saw more work to do on the farm than people available to help. She realized that if she struggled to find reliable help, thousands of other farmers and ranchers probably did too, so she built the solution she wished existed. CredSync took second place and $1,000. Created by Suzanne Scott, CredSync is a credential tracking platform that lets professionals in any field keep their licenses, certifications, continuing education units, and professional memberships in one place. Users can upload documents, set smart alerts, and generate compliance reports. Suzanne, a professional counselor and assistant professor of counseling, came up with the idea after struggling to keep track of her own licenses and credentials.  Third place went to Dylan Frohberg, a recent graduate of Wayne State College, for his idea WebpageIQ. WebpageIQ is a website platform that helps small businesses get more value from their sites after they are published. Owners build and manage their website on the platform while WebpageIQ analyzes how visitors use it and recommends specific improvements. Dylan owns Frohberg Computers, an IT services and computer repair business, and saw how many small business websites get built once and left unchanged for years. Analytics tools show traffic numbers, but owners rarely learn what to change, so he built a platform that fills that gap.  The audience selected Andrea Gonzalez’s Andrea’s Minipancakes Cafe for the People’s Choice Award. Building on the success of her food truck, Andrea plans to open a family-friendly breakfast and dessert spot in Norfolk serving American and Venezuelan style breakfasts, mini pancakes, waffles, and crepes.  The final award of the evening went to Dakota Gullicksen, who received the Launchpad Award. The Launchpad Award is a year-long membership to Northeast Community College’s iHUB.  ![DSC04906](https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20802179/hubfs/DSC04906.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=DSC04906.jpg) First Place winner Ashley Babl, founder of Farmhand on Demand.  ![DSC04858](https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20802179/hubfs/DSC04858.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=DSC04858.jpg)  Second Place winner Suzanne Scott, founder of CredSync, and her team, Dali O’Neill and Nicolas Tagliafichi.  ![DSC04845](https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20802179/hubfs/DSC04845.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=DSC04845.jpg) Third Place winner Dylan Frohberg, founder of WebpageIQ. ![DSC04879](https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20802179/hubfs/DSC04879.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=DSC04879.jpg) People's Choice Award winner, Andrea Gonzalez and her family.  ![DSC04822](https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20802179/hubfs/DSC04822.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=DSC04822.jpg) Launchpad Award winner, Dakota Gullicksen. ## The Judging Process Participants delivered their ideas to a panel of judges drawn from economic development, business funding, higher education, and start-ups. Judges scored each pitch on originality, feasibility, market potential, and the entrepreneur’s passion and preparedness. They also weighed the answers given during Q&A, which offered deeper insight into how well each presenter understood their proposal. Each participant had two minutes to pitch their idea, followed by five minutes of Q&A with questions from both the judges and the audience. This year’s judging panel included Dan Hoffman of Invest Nebraska, Seth Mangels of Elkhorn Valley Bank, Steven Rames of the City of Norfolk, Benjamin Benton of the Nebraska Business Development Center, Mason Zimmerer of iHUB and Northeast Community College, and Erin Shape of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. ![DSC04831 Edited](https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20802179/hubfs/DSC04831%20Edited.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=DSC04831%20Edited.jpg) Front row left to right: Erin Sharpe (Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Mason Zimmerer (iHUB + Northeast Community College) Back row left to right: Dan Hoffman (Invest Nebraska), Benjamin Benton (Nebraska Business Development Center), Seth Mangels (Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust), and Steve Rames (City of Norfolk)  ## Opportunities Beyond the Competition Winning or participating in Big Idea opens doors well beyond the prizes. Finalists gain exposure to local business leaders and potential investors, and the connections made at the event can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and further investment. Finalists also get access to business coaching and professional services through our partners. This year’s professional partners included Creative Revolution Marketing Agency, Nebraska Business Development Center, Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust, and Midwest Bank Insurance. They offer free or discounted services to the Top 5 finalists in areas such as business planning, legal, accounting, marketing, insurance, and design. Their support gives these founders practical help right when they need it. Early-stage founders often have a long list of questions and a small budget. Partner services give finalists a way to get answers from experienced professionals and move forward with confidence. The relationships built through these partnerships often continue well after the competition ends, giving founders a local team to turn to as their business grows. ## Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers Big Idea Norfolk happens because of the generous support of our sponsors, each playing a pivotal role in fostering growth and innovation in our community. Intersect Coworking & Incubator provides a space for collaboration and creativity, while Invest Nebraska fuels entrepreneurial ventures with funding and resources. Other sponsors this year included the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, the Norfolk Area Economic Council, Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust, Northeast Community College’s iHUB, and Wayne State College. A special shoutout goes to Angie Stenger of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together, who returned as our emcee and kept the momentum going throughout the night with her vibrant energy. Thanks also to XPM Agency for serving as our photographer for the evening and capturing the moments shared throughout this post and on social media, and to Austin Truex and Tedd Martinez, who volunteered their time at the event and helped everything run smoothly.  ## Tips for Future Competitors If you’re considering entering next year’s competition, the best time to start preparing is now. Take the feedback you receive and use it constructively to refine your idea and your pitch. Even a short conversation with a judge or fellow entrepreneur after the event can point you toward your next step. A two-minute pitch goes quickly, so practice delivering yours with a timer until it feels natural. The five minutes of Q&A deserve equal attention, so ask a friend or mentor to question your idea as toughly as the judges might, and know your numbers well enough to answer without hesitation. Judges score on originality, feasibility, market potential, and your passion and preparedness, so give each of those areas a place in your pitch. Perseverance is a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success, so stay resilient when challenges come up. Keep improving your concept so it adapts to evolving market needs and trends. Talking with the entrepreneurial community can provide valuable insights and encouragement along the way, and 1 Million Cups Norfolk is a great place to test your idea in front of a friendly audience. Intersect also hosts entrepreneurial events throughout the year where you can build connections and gain new perspectives. ![Crowd Shot 2-1](https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/20802179/hubfs/Crowd%20Shot%202-1.jpg?width=1200&length=1200&name=Crowd%20Shot%202-1.jpg) ## The Future of Big Idea Norfolk Big Idea Norfolk is settling in as a yearly tradition for Northeast Nebraska. Nine finalists took the stage this year with ideas from agriculture, technology, food, and the arts, and more than 60 community members filled the room to support them. Next year we look forward to welcoming even more applicants and following the progress of this year’s finalists. Our goal is to keep building an ecosystem where founders can find funding, mentorship, and a supportive community close to home.  ## Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey Big Idea Norfolk is one of many ways entrepreneurs in our region can find support. Throughout the year, 1 Million Cups Norfolk, which meets Wednesday's at 8:30 AM, and Intersect Coworking & Incubator give founders a place to test ideas and connect with mentors and resources. If you’re ready to take the next step on your entrepreneurial journey, come to a 1 Million Cups meeting or stop by Intersect and chat with the team, and follow us on social media for updates. We would also love to hear your thoughts or experiences from the evening in the comments below.  ![avatar](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/intterArtboard%201fiv-2-1.png?width=290&name=intterArtboard%201fiv-2-1.png) #### [Intersect Coworking and Incubator](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/author/intersect-coworking-and-incubator) ## RELATED ARTICLES ### [Intersect Coworking and Incubator Apr 18, 2025, 11:46:30 AM 6 min read Unleashing Innovation: Highlights from the WSC Idea Lab Workshop Event Recap: WSC Idea Lab Workshop In April, the Wayne community gathered at the CAT Building Atrium for the inaugural WSC Idea ... 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Start Reading](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/fostering-innovation-a-recap-of-intersects-quick-pitch-competition) [![INTERSECT-COWORKING-LOGO-ICON](https://www.intersectcoworking.com/hs-fs/hubfs/INTERSECT-COWORKING-LOGO-ICON.png?width=41&height=50&name=INTERSECT-COWORKING-LOGO-ICON.png)](http://intersectcoworking.com)   [509 W Norfolk Ave,  Norfolk NE 68701](https://goo.gl/maps/NxSbt6Q2XUL8Njxe8)  [402.370.2347](tel:4023702347) [emma@investnebraska.com](mailto:emma@investnebraska.com) © 2022 Invest Nebraska ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "", "addressLocality" : "Norfolk", "addressRegion" : "NE", "postalCode" : "68701", "streetAddress" : "509 W Norfolk Ave" }, "knowsLanguage" : "en", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/20802179/intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png" }, "name" : "Intersect Coworking and Incubator", "url" : "https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/big-idea-returns-to-norfolk" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "abstract" : "Big Idea Norfolk showcases local entrepreneurs pitching innovative ideas for funding. Discover the winners and insights from this year's event.", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Intersect Coworking and Incubator" }, "dateModified" : "October 30, 2026 1 PM", "datePublished" : "October 30, 2026 1 PM", "headline" : "Big Idea Returns to Norfolk", "image" : "https://20802179.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20802179/DSC04906.jpg", "inLanguage" : "en", "keywords" : "[Entrepreneurship]", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage" }, "name" : "Big Idea Returns to Norfolk", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/20802179/intter2Artboard%201fiv-1.png" }, "name" : "Intersect Coworking and Incubator" }, "text" : "Big Idea Returned to Norfolk on October 22, 2026 On October 22, 2026, The Cove at the Midtown Event Center filled up with entrepreneurs and community members for the second Big Idea Norfolk pitch competition. The evening kicked off at 5:30 PM with a happy hour and hors d’oeuvres, giving all attendees a chance to network. Then at 6:00pm the Shark-Tank style competition began. Nine entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to a panel of expert judges and more than 60 community members, for the chance to secure funding and resources to move their ideas forward. What is Big Idea Norfolk? Big Idea Norfolk is an annual pitch competition hosted by Intersect Coworking & Incubator, which operates under Invest Nebraska. Entrepreneurs apply in advance, a group of finalists is selected, and those finalists pitch live for a chance to win funding and resources. For entrepreneurs and early-stage startups, the Big Idea pitch competition is a chance to share their ideas and gain visibility and feedback, both of which are vital for anyone looking to grow a business. It also helps them strengthen their business models and presentation skills. Pitch competitions benefit the local community too. Rural communities like Norfolk gain a lot from recurring events that give entrepreneurs a place to share their ideas close to home. Each new business adds jobs and spending to the local economy, and a community that backs its founders early has a better shot at keeping that growth in the region. The 2026 Winners After each entrepreneur pitched, the judges had the difficult task of selecting this year’s winners. This year’s Top 5 are CredSync by Suzanne Scott, Farmhand on Demand by Ashley Babl, WebpageIQ by Dylan Frohberg, Heat and Eat Gluten Free Meals by Kim Gradberg, and Andrea’s Minipancakes Cafe by Andrea Gonzalez. Ashley Babl took home the first-place prize and $3,000 in funding to help grow her business. Her idea Farmhand on Demand is an agricultural labor marketplace that connects farmers and ranchers with workers who have the skills and desire to work in agriculture. The idea grew out of Ashley’s experience as a farmer, where she often saw more work to do on the farm than people available to help. She realized that if she struggled to find reliable help, thousands of other farmers and ranchers probably did too, so she built the solution she wished existed. CredSync took second place and $1,000. Created by Suzanne Scott, CredSync is a credential tracking platform that lets professionals in any field keep their licenses, certifications, continuing education units, and professional memberships in one place. Users can upload documents, set smart alerts, and generate compliance reports. Suzanne, a professional counselor and assistant professor of counseling, came up with the idea after struggling to keep track of her own licenses and credentials. Third place went to Dylan Frohberg, a recent graduate of Wayne State College, for his idea WebpageIQ. WebpageIQ is a website platform that helps small businesses get more value from their sites after they are published. Owners build and manage their website on the platform while WebpageIQ analyzes how visitors use it and recommends specific improvements. Dylan owns Frohberg Computers, an IT services and computer repair business, and saw how many small business websites get built once and left unchanged for years. Analytics tools show traffic numbers, but owners rarely learn what to change, so he built a platform that fills that gap. The audience selected Andrea Gonzalez’s Andrea’s Minipancakes Cafe for the People’s Choice Award. Building on the success of her food truck, Andrea plans to open a family-friendly breakfast and dessert spot in Norfolk serving American and Venezuelan style breakfasts, mini pancakes, waffles, and crepes. The final award of the evening went to Dakota Gullicksen, who received the Launchpad Award. The Launchpad Award is a year-long membership to Northeast Community College’s iHUB. First Place winner Ashley Babl, founder of Farmhand on Demand. Second Place winner Suzanne Scott, founder of CredSync, and her team, Dali O’Neill and Nicolas Tagliafichi. Third Place winner Dylan Frohberg, founder of WebpageIQ. People's Choice Award winner, Andrea Gonzalez and her family. Launchpad Award winner, Dakota Gullicksen. The Judging Process Participants delivered their ideas to a panel of judges drawn from economic development, business funding, higher education, and start-ups. Judges scored each pitch on originality, feasibility, market potential, and the entrepreneur’s passion and preparedness. They also weighed the answers given during Q&A, which offered deeper insight into how well each presenter understood their proposal. Each participant had two minutes to pitch their idea, followed by five minutes of Q&A with questions from both the judges and the audience. This year’s judging panel included Dan Hoffman of Invest Nebraska, Seth Mangels of Elkhorn Valley Bank, Steven Rames of the City of Norfolk, Benjamin Benton of the Nebraska Business Development Center, Mason Zimmerer of iHUB and Northeast Community College, and Erin Shape of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Front row left to right: Erin Sharpe (Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and Industry) and Mason Zimmerer (iHUB + Northeast Community College) Back row left to right: Dan Hoffman (Invest Nebraska), Benjamin Benton (Nebraska Business Development Center), Seth Mangels (Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust), and Steve Rames (City of Norfolk) Opportunities Beyond the Competition Winning or participating in Big Idea opens doors well beyond the prizes. Finalists gain exposure to local business leaders and potential investors, and the connections made at the event can lead to partnerships, collaborations, and further investment. Finalists also get access to business coaching and professional services through our partners. This year’s professional partners included Creative Revolution Marketing Agency, Nebraska Business Development Center, Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust, and Midwest Bank Insurance. They offer free or discounted services to the Top 5 finalists in areas such as business planning, legal, accounting, marketing, insurance, and design. Their support gives these founders practical help right when they need it. Early-stage founders often have a long list of questions and a small budget. Partner services give finalists a way to get answers from experienced professionals and move forward with confidence. The relationships built through these partnerships often continue well after the competition ends, giving founders a local team to turn to as their business grows. Thank You to Our Sponsors and Volunteers Big Idea Norfolk happens because of the generous support of our sponsors, each playing a pivotal role in fostering growth and innovation in our community. Intersect Coworking & Incubator provides a space for collaboration and creativity, while Invest Nebraska fuels entrepreneurial ventures with funding and resources. Other sponsors this year included the Norfolk Area Chamber of Commerce, the Norfolk Area Economic Council, Elkhorn Valley Bank & Trust, Northeast Community College’s iHUB, and Wayne State College. A special shoutout goes to Angie Stenger of Northeast Nebraska Growing Together, who returned as our emcee and kept the momentum going throughout the night with her vibrant energy. Thanks also to XPM Agency for serving as our photographer for the evening and capturing the moments shared throughout this post and on social media, and to Austin Truex and Tedd Martinez, who volunteered their time at the event and helped everything run smoothly. Tips for Future Competitors If you’re considering entering next year’s competition, the best time to start preparing is now. Take the feedback you receive and use it constructively to refine your idea and your pitch. Even a short conversation with a judge or fellow entrepreneur after the event can point you toward your next step. A two-minute pitch goes quickly, so practice delivering yours with a timer until it feels natural. The five minutes of Q&A deserve equal attention, so ask a friend or mentor to question your idea as toughly as the judges might, and know your numbers well enough to answer without hesitation. Judges score on originality, feasibility, market potential, and your passion and preparedness, so give each of those areas a place in your pitch. Perseverance is a cornerstone of entrepreneurial success, so stay resilient when challenges come up. Keep improving your concept so it adapts to evolving market needs and trends. Talking with the entrepreneurial community can provide valuable insights and encouragement along the way, and 1 Million Cups Norfolk is a great place to test your idea in front of a friendly audience. Intersect also hosts entrepreneurial events throughout the year where you can build connections and gain new perspectives. The Future of Big Idea Norfolk Big Idea Norfolk is settling in as a yearly tradition for Northeast Nebraska. Nine finalists took the stage this year with ideas from agriculture, technology, food, and the arts, and more than 60 community members filled the room to support them. Next year we look forward to welcoming even more applicants and following the progress of this year’s finalists. Our goal is to keep building an ecosystem where founders can find funding, mentorship, and a supportive community close to home. Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey Big Idea Norfolk is one of many ways entrepreneurs in our region can find support. Throughout the year, 1 Million Cups Norfolk, which meets Wednesday's at 8:30 AM, and Intersect Coworking & Incubator give founders a place to test ideas and connect with mentors and resources. If you’re ready to take the next step on your entrepreneurial journey, come to a 1 Million Cups meeting or stop by Intersect and chat with the team, and follow us on social media for updates. We would also love to hear your thoughts or experiences from the evening in the comments below.", "url" : "https://www.intersectcoworking.com/blog/big-idea-returns-to-norfolk", "wordCount" : "2318" } ```