The Big Idea revs up this year with more resources, mentors, and a new director to continue to build on last year’s success. The program focuses on innovation and entrepreneurship at Colorado College, one of the elements of CC’s new strategic plan.

Patrick Bultema, the new executive director of The Big Idea, plans to host regular meetings and bring guest speakers and presentations to campus throughout the year. Presentations will draw from business and startup communities in Colorado Springs and beyond, focusing on topics such as “Startup Essentials,” “Startup Leaders,” and “From the Trenches.”

The program currently is under the auspices of the Dean of Students/Student Life, as opposed to an individual academic department, and is open to all CC students, regardless of their major. “The intent is that this is a theme and program that cuts across the entire college,” Bultema said. “The program is designed to educate, inspire, provide experience and examples, and generally give Colorado College students what they need to not only participate in The Big Idea startup pitch competition, but beyond that, to be equipped and motivated to pursue innovation, entrepreneurship, and startups into their careers and lives beyond CC.” As with last year’s program, there will be $50,000 in prize money for the pitch competition, to be held in the spring.