• Applicants with a concept or a new enterprise in the seed-capital, start-up, or pre-revenue stage;
• Applicants who are at least 18 years of age;
• Applicants with a concept that could lead to potential economic impact and job creation in the Knoxville, Tennessee area*.

* Defined as being located in Knox County or a contiguous county including: Anderson, Blount, Jefferson, Grainger, Loudon, Roane, Sevier, and Union counties.

Who Shouldn’t Apply?

• Companies that are acquisitions or buy-outs;
• Companies that are expansions of existing companies;
• Companies that are considered a franchise;
• Companies that have a licensing agreement for distribution of products and services by others;
• Enterprises that have raised equity capital from sources other than direct members of the venture, their friends, or their families;
• Companies that do not intend to grow in the Knoxville, Tennessee area (as defined above); Ideas will be judged on potential for growth and economic impact.

*  Please read the “Official Rules” for What’s the Big Idea?!