The Big Idea 2020
THE BIG IDEA 2020
DATE:
LOCATION: The Big Idea will be a virtual event this year. Purchase tickets below!
DATE:
LOCATION: The Big Idea will be a virtual event this year. Purchase tickets below!
The 2020 Big Idea Winner is Bike Racks submitted by Dave Rogers, owner of Paceline Cyclery.! Congratulations Dave!

The 2019 Big Idea Winner was Interactive Murals by Amanda Lamberson! Congratulations Amanda!

The 2018 Big Idea winner was Workman's Department Store Facade Revitalization! Congratulations Workman's!
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How it works:
Applications Available - August 14th
Application Deadline - September 4th
Finalists will be notified by - September 14th
Virtual Big Idea Presentation - October 6th
Phase 1 - Gathering the Big Ideas Starting August 14th, applicants can submit their Big Idea to TMSA through the online application. To complete the application you will need a detailed description of your Big Idea, an estimated cost with supporting documentation, and an estimated timeline to complete your project. Should your Big Idea be chosen, applicants should be aware it is their responsibility to see that their project is completed. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role for the winning project. Past Big Idea winners have been building facade rehabilitation and the addition of murals throughout the corridor. The sky's the limit for future projects! After the application deadline, a committee will review all submissions and select 3-5 finalists. The committee will consist of TMSA Board members and community members. Phase 2 - Selecting the Big Idea Once the finalists have been selected, it is now time to select the winner. Finalists will meet with a TMSA representative to review the work plan for their Big Idea. TMSA will assist you in creating a video showcasing your project. The video will be played at the Big Idea event and is how the community will learn about your project. Every voter will watch all finalist videos before casting their vote. The Big Idea will be hosted virtually this year! We will have more details on how to purchase your ticket and cast your vote soon! Phase 3 - Completing the Big Idea Once all the votes are cast, we will determine the 2020 Big Idea winner. The work plan that was created in Phase 2 will now begin! As the project winner, you are now in control of your Big Idea coming to life. Funds can be received from TMSA by submitting itemized invoices or receipts for your expenses. Your project should be completed by June 30, 2021. |
Objective The Big Idea is a micro grant funded by the Tahlequah Main Street Association’s reinvestment funds. The Big Idea consists of three phases - gathering Big Idea submissions, selecting a winner from chosen finalists, and implementing the winning Big Idea. Eligibility Eligible projects must align with the TMSA mission to revitalize Downtown Tahlequah and strengthen it as the heart of our city. Projects must be able to be completed by June 2021. Past Big Idea winners have been building facade rehabilitation and the addition of murals throughout the corridor. The sky's the limit for future projects! Who Can Apply Applications can be submitted by community organizations, business owners, building owners, or individual community members. Grant Amount The grant amount is not to exceed $5000. If the winning project is below $5000, no additional monies will be granted. If the winning project is above $5000, the applicant may be asked to provide proof of funding to make up the difference. All monies raised in the Phase 2 selection process will be added to the TMSA reinvestment funds for future Big Ideas. Disbursement of Funds Funds will be dispersed to the grant winner as itemized receipts or invoices are turned in to TMSA. All grant money must be dispersed by June 30, 2021. Review Process After the application deadline, a committee of both TMSA board and non-board members will review and select three to five finalists. Committee members will be given a rubric to score projects based on their impact to the TMSA corridor and how well it aligns with the TMSA mission. Responsibility of Applicant It is the applicant’s responsibility to be the manager of their project. TMSA will serve in a mentor and advisory role, but will not be responsible for the implementation of the winning project. Should the applicant fail to successfully and completely implement their project, any funds already dispersed will be the responsibility of the applicant to reimburse TMSA and no future funds will be paid out. |