CCC Entrepreneurship Center Receives $10K from NACCE

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – The Central Community College Entrepreneurship Center has been awarded $10,000 from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).

The funds will be used to organize and host Big Idea pitch competitions in Columbus, Grand Island and Kearney. Big Idea Grand Island celebrated its fourth year in 2025 while the inaugural Big Idea Kearney was held. Columbus has hosted two pitch competitions. The concept is based on the TV show “Shark Tank” where entrepreneurial hopefuls make a two-minute pitch before a panel of judges for a product, service or invention. More than $20,000, plus valuable resources and connections, were awarded to individuals who placed in last year’s Big Idea competitions.

“Big Idea is more than a pitch competition, it’s a catalyst for turning local ideas into real businesses, said Aimee Steinhardt-Duysen, CCC Entrepreneurship Center director. “It gives entrepreneurs a platform to be seen, heard and supported while connecting them to the resources, mentors and community backing they need to grow. All these elements are important for the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

CCC’s Entrepreneurship Center covers 25 counties and; has directors in Columbus, Grand Island, Hastings, Kearney and Ord; and offers local expert business coaching and connecting.

“The CCC Entrepreneurship Center is grateful for NACCE's investment in Big Idea competitions,” said CCC-Columbus President Dr. Kathy Fuchser, who oversees the center. “Partnerships such as this support CCC’s mission of providing local, expert business coaching and connecting to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout our service area.”

The Everyday Entrepreneurship Venture Fund Program – Phase II is a signature pilot initiative designed to build a sustainable system for launching new businesses by leveraging community college resources. After successfully completing Phase I, through which the CCC Entrepreneurship Center received $5,000 to support local pitch competitions, Phase II funding will further elevate and expand pitch competition opportunities across CCC’s service areas.

“The NACCE team is beyond thrilled to continue our partnership with Central Community College as they advance into Level 2 of the Everyday Entrepreneur Program,” said Lydia Perez-Kavanagh, NACCE project coordinator. “The CCC team has been an outstanding supporter of NACCE and has done a remarkable job building a program that truly shines. The impact they are making across their college and community reflects exactly what we strive for nationwide. Watching their progress has been a joy, and we are excited to continue supporting their entrepreneurial journey through the Everyday Entrepreneur Program.”