The Next Big Small Brand Contest strives to be a motivating and inspiring experience for participants. Here’s how it works:

Call for entries
The call for entries is announced on The Next Big Small Brand™ website, emailed to our list of subscribers and noted on our facebook and twitter feeds. Entrants have the chance to submit their story, as well as images and videos that support the claim that they should be The Next Big Small Brand™ Contest winner via an online application form available on The Next Big Small Brand™ website.

Semifinalists Selected
Based solely on information included in the official contest application, The Rooster Group will whittle the full list of entries down to about 20 semi-finalists from New York and San Francisco combined. These semi-finalists will be contacted for in-person interviews and product presentation with contest founders, Fran Gaitanaros and Fernando Music.

Finalists Announced
Three finalists from each city will be selected and their company profiles and bio will be announced on The Next Big Small Brand website. Finalists will receive instructions and detailed information regarding requirements for the live judging event in New York City.

Winner Crowned
At the live judging event on March 27th, the judges panel will sample each product and speak one-on-one with each company representative. As the judges deliberate, attendees will enjoy offerings from each competitor and will fill out secret ballots to select the People’s Choice. At the event’s close, the 2012 Next Big Small Brand winner will be announced!

Judging Criteria
Entries are judged by criteria including uniqueness, marketability, and demand. The judges look for entrants who embody the spirit of entrepreneurialism and exhibit professionalism and enthusiasm for their product or concept.