Donate to the "The Big Idea Grant Fund" and help fund the next Big Idea! All donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. 100% of your donation go to "The Big Idea Grant Fund".

The Big Idea dinner finalist are: Downtown Bike Racks, Signs and Sharrows, Revitalize Workman's Department Store Facade, Public Art with Downtown Murals. These ideas will be presented Thursday September 27, 2018. The one that gets the most votes from the guests gets funded. 
Tickets are available at BancFirst - Downtown, A Bloom Flowers and Gifts, SandTech, Paceline Cyclery, Workman's Department Store and Bank of Cherokee County. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds go to the grant fund. Doors open at 5:30 PM, have dinner and meet the finalists, presentations at 6:30 PM then VOTE! Support our downtown, support our community by attending The Big Event!

Got an idea for a startup business, downtown project or need help with an existing business? Share, present, get funded at The Big Idea.

Share your idea with Tahlequah Main Street Association, have your idea presented at the The Big Idea September 27, 2018 and get the most votes from the guests and get funded. Submissions are closed.

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How it works:

Where does the funding come from?
TMSA will guarantee $3,000 in grant money and 100% of ticket sales will be awarded as grant money. For example, if 100 people come to the event, grant money will be $4,500.
* Grant not to exceed the amount of the project.

What types of projects are eligible?
Eligible projects must fit within the TMSA mission of revitalizing downtown Tahlequah and strengthening it as the heart of our city and must be able to be completed by December 31, 2018.. Projects could involve art, events, business expansions, programs, beautification, facade renovation, community involvement, history…

Am I eligible to apply?
Yes! Any individual, group, business or organization can submit a project that will have a positive impact on downtown Tahlequah.

How will the projects be selected for each event?
A committee will review all submissions and select up to five projects to be presented at the Big Idea September 27th.. Some of the qualities the committee will be looking for in a project are creativity, impact and feasibility.

How large will the grants be?
At least $3,000, plus all proceeds from event ticket sales.

May I pay for others to attend and vote for my project?
No, you may only pay admission for your immediate family.

Do kids' votes count?
Children must be at least 10 years old to vote.
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May I submit more than one project?
Yes, you may submit more than one project.

If I win, are there any strings attached to the prize money?
Prize money must be used toward the proposed project. 

How will funds be disbursed?
Funds will be held by TMSA and will be released as receipts or invoices are presented for the project. Recipients are advised to consult a tax professional regarding the appropriate treatment of the prize money for IRS purposes.

​If I submit a project, do I still have to buy a ticket?Yes, everyone who’s attending The Big Idea, including presenters and event organizers, must buy a ticket. Each of us will make a difference!

Can I apply if I can’t attend the event?
Yes, but we ask that you please notify us if you’ll be unable to attend the event September 27, 2018..

May I create my own promotional flyers to encourage people to vote for my project?
​No, you must only use our flyers, which you may share as much as you'd like, which include all 5 projects, times, location and sponsor information.

submit an idea