Big iDeas

Are you an entrepreneur with a big idea? Your first stop in the entrepreneurial journey at SMU is Big iDeas, where you can find the resources, mentorship, and support to bring your idea to life.

Make your ideas a reality

Business Plan Competition

Pitch to a panel of business experts for up to $5000 in start-up funds. 4 minute pitch + 4 minute Q&A.

Competition: September 25, 2026

Pitch Contest

Pitch Contest

In the ideation phase? Pitch your idea in 90 seconds for a chance to win up to $1,000 in seed funding.

Competition: November 12, 2026

ACC InVenture Prize

Learn about the chance to pitch your business and battle against the best entrepreneurs in the ACC.  

Competition: March 2027

Big iDeas Marketplace

Sell your products or demo your app! All student, faculty, staff, and alumni entrepreneurs are welcome to come and network with your fellow  entrepreneurs at the Big iDeas Marketplace.
E-Launch Bootcamps

E-Launch Bootcamps

Big iDeas E-Launch Bootcamps are a series of workshops with guest speakers to guide you thorugh the ideation phase.
Women's Innovative Network

Women's Innovative Network

W.I.N cultivates a dynamic network that empowers women to innovate, connect, and support each other in their entrepreneurial and research endeavors. 

Welcome from our Entrepreneurship Fellow

Upcoming Big iDeas events

  • Big iDeas: Ideation Session

    Tuesday, September 08, 2026, 4:00pmPrivate Location (sign in to display) Are you thinking about about applying to pitch in the Big iDeas Business Plan Contest? Come join the Big iDeas Entrepreneurship Fellow and receive...

  • Big iDeas: Ideation Session

    Wednesday, September 09, 2026, 2:00pmPrivate Location (sign in to display) Are you thinking about about applying to pitch in the Big iDeas Business Plan Contest? Come join the Big iDeas Entrepreneurship Fellow and receive...

  • Big iDeas: Pitch Practice

    Wednesday, September 16, 2026, 2:00pmPrivate Location (sign in to display) Pitching in the Bg iDeas Pitch Competition or just wanting to refine your business pitch? Come and Practice Your Pitch for the Big Day!

Entrepreneurship at SMU

Explore other entrepreneurship opportunities across campus:

Build your idea 

Contact and coaching

Our staff is available to meet with you for coaching or general questions about entrepreneurship.

Contact Olivia Prioleau, Project Specialist, with general questions: bigideas@smu.edu 

Want to join a startup?

Interested in being part of a start-up? Let us know the skills you can bring to our entrepreneurs. Get on the ground floor of something Big.

Entrepreneurship News

    More entrepreneurship news