When you sign a 6-month lease at Workbase Crossville. Limited offices available.
When you sign a 6-month lease at Workbase Crossville. Limited offices available.
My Big Idea is a program designed to spark creativity and confidence in middle and high school students across the Upper Cumberland. Through hands-on workshops, students learn how to: Think like an entrepreneur, turn problems into opportunities, share their ideas with confidence.
The program is free and run by The Biz Foundry, the Upper Cumberland’s Entrepreneur Center.
My Big Idea helps students turn their creativity into action. Through hands-on workshops, they’ll learn how to brainstorm, shape, and share their big ideas in a way that’s clear and exciting. Along the way, they’ll build confidence, practice public speaking, and discover what it takes to bring an idea to life. The program wraps up with a pitch event where participants present to a panel of judges for the chance to win prizes and recognition.
In participating counties in The Upper Cumberland:
1st Place: Matthew Martin, Quantum Turf
Award: $10,000 Grand Prize
About the Business: Quantum Turf is revolutionizing the agricultural green industry with a SaaS platform designed to optimize lawn care. Using cutting-edge AI and the latest turfgrass algorithms, Quantum Turf helps lawn care businesses reduce costs, improve sustainability, and boost profitability. The platform creates tailored care programs based on factors like location, soil conditions, and weather, empowering businesses to achieve better results while positively impacting the environment.
How They’ll Use the Prize: The $10,000 prize will be used to refine Quantum Turf’s user experience and interface, ensuring a seamless launch that serves customers effectively
See who will be pitching at this year’s event!
Location: Cookeville, TN
Industry: AgriTech & Environmental Services
About AgriSmart Analytics
AgriSmart Analytics, founded by Michael Nattrass, empowers farmers with a secure platform to manage farm data and make smarter, more sustainable decisions. By harnessing blockchain, Michael’s mission is to help farmers optimize their operations and even earn from anonymized data insights.
Investment Goal
Michael plans to build a Smart farm and develop a mobile app to give farmers real-time data insights, pushing agriculture toward a smarter future.
Learn More: www.AgriSmartAnalytics.com
Location: Byrdstown, TN
Industry: Leisure, Travel & Tourism
About Fly View Ventures
Founded by David Drennan, Fly View Ventures is developing an innovative system that combines tower, drone, and software technology to transform travel experiences. David’s goal is to create immersive, aerial views for travelers worldwide.
Investment Goal
David is seeking funding to bring his concept to life, starting with a prototype for Fly View’s drone and tower system.
Location: Cookeville, TN
Industry: Health, Wellness, and Fitness
About Mountain Top Candle Shop
Mountain Top Candle Shop, led by Lyndsee Campbell, is more than just candles—it’s a growing wellness brand focused on natural, self-care products. With plans to introduce a plant nursery division, Mountain Top aims to offer year-round products, from wellness candles to vibrant, health-focused plants.
Investment Goal
Lyndsee is seeking investment to expand production capabilities and launch the new plant division, turning Mountain Top Candle Shop into a full-fledged wellness brand. This funding will also support targeted marketing efforts to reach a nationwide audience and grow their customer base.
Location: Alpine, TN
Industry: Business Supplies and Equipment
About Platformworx
Platformworx, founded by Willis Whited, creates high-quality business equipment, serving a global market from its roots in Alpine, TN. Focused on growth, the business is committed to innovation and reliability in every product.
Investment Goal
Willis is seeking capital to scale Platformworx by securing additional assembly parts from a Knoxville-based manufacturer. This investment will support expanded production capabilities and fuel growth toward either a business sale or licensing agreement.
Location: Knoxville, TN
Industry: Computer Software (Agricultural Green Industry – Turf & Ornamentals)
About Quantum Turf
Quantum Turf, founded by Matthew Martin, is a cutting-edge SaaS company designed to serve the specialized Turf & Ornamentals sector within the agricultural green industry. With a focus on streamlined UX/UI, Quantum Turf aims to enhance operational efficiency and data-driven insights for professionals across the U.S.
Investment Goal
Matthew seeks funding to refine Quantum Turf’s user experience and interface, preparing the platform for a successful market launch and rapid scaling.
The Start Here Pitch Competition is an opportunity for local, regional, and national entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas to win cash prizes, with the grand prize of $10,000, pitch to the Upper Cumberland Angel Investors Fund, and also help boost the community and economic development of our region.
Next Pitch Event: November 19, 2025 at 6:00pm
Have questions about the My Big Idea Competition?
Email The Biz Foundry at Info@thebizfoundry.org or fill out the form, and we will answer your questions within 48 hours.
