It’s official: We have our 16 finalists prepped and ready for another fantastic Big Idea Awards event, during which we’ll crown the city’s most innovative young entrepreneurs.
Last November at Chop Shop, more than 350 Chicagoans attended and voted in our inaugural event to honor the brightest minds in four categories: Art & Design, Technology, Food & Drink and Community Development & Civic Involvement.
And at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5, you’ll have the chance to interact with 16 new finalists at Morgan Manufacturing (401 N. Morgan St.), a space that holds hundreds more to allow everyone to spread out, support local entrepreneurs and enjoy some food and alcoholic drinks at the same time.
In summary? We’d love for you to be there. We’re guaranteeing an unforgettable evening in helping to grow the future of our city.
Each Big Idea Awards winner will pair with mentors we’ve rounded up who are ecstatic to help push local innovation forward.
This year we have Elliot Greenberger (general manager of Divvy in Chicago), Chris Taylor (general manager of Uber Chicago), Justin Maynard (executive director of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild), Kevin Cary (co-founder of Begyle Brewing and president of the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild) and Anna Hovet (founder and lead designer of Anna Hovet Designs).
The evening’s keynote speaker will be none other than Tom Alexander, chief operating officer at 1871, Chicago’s entrepreneurial hub and co-working space for digital startups. Seems appropriate, right? You’ll think he’s as inspiring and awesome as we do.
Head to redeyechicago.com/bigidea to buy tickets today and lock in your plans for a night that will change the lives of local entrepreneurs hoping to make their business dreams a reality. Tickets are $30 and include three alcoholic beverages and appetizers.
Also, join us for the official after-party. Once the winners are crowned, celebrations continue at 10pin (330 N. State).
