Do I have to be a professional chef to enter?
Nope. All you need is a tasty idea and a clear vision of your future empire.
I have more than one idea/product, how many times can I submit?
You can submit as many ideas or products as you like – as long as they are original and you are the creator of the product or idea.
Our company has two founders, can I put more than one name down? Who’s name should I put down?
Of course you can enter if you have more than one founder or business partner! Enter the name of the person who is completing the entry form so we have one contact. We will contact you for the other members of your team if you become a semi-finalist.
Do I have to submit a video and pictures?
No, videos and pictures are not required.
Are consulting services concerning quality control and government standards for food production & mass distribution included in the prize?
Nope.
Do I have to cook my food in an industrial kitchen to qualify?
No.
I have never sold my product can I still enter?
Yes! Home cooks, upstarts and newbies are encouraged to apply. Even Jello got started somewhere.
I sell my product in a few stores, can I still apply?
Yes, you will be considered on the merit of your product and business potential alone.
Can I trade in any of the prizes for cash?
No sorry. There are no cash equivalents for any of the Next Big Small Brand™ prizes.
Is a business plan required to enter/win?
No, it’s not required.
If I entered last year’s contest can I enter again?
Absolutely. Perhaps your product is further developed than it was last year. Who knows?
If I am chosen as a semi-finalist what materials am I responsible for bringing to my in-person meeting?
Anything that helps to tell your story: If your entry is a food product (as opposed to a concept or other intangible) then bring tasting samples. If you are currently using any packaging or logos, we’d love to see those also. Have you written a business plan? Bring that too. Anything you choose to share with us will be kept strictly confidential.
Will the materials I present and all specific information about my product and my entry remain confidential?
Yes.
Will the materials that I supply to The Next Big Small Brand™ and The Rooster Group be returned to me?
No.
What criteria are used to determine the winner?
Entries will be judged on taste (if an edible), presentation, uniqueness, marketability, and demand. The judges will be looking for entrants who embody the spirit of entrepreneurialism and exhibit professionalism and enthusiasm for their product or concept.
I have a great product, but don’t live in the New York tri-state area nor the San Francisco Bay Area. I am willing to travel for any in-person meetings and can accommodate the contest’s schedule and timeline. Can I still enter?
Sorry, the contest is limited to residents of NY, NJ, CT, and the San Francisco Bay Area.
I already sell my product at the Brooklyn Flea. Can I still enter?
Yes.
What if I can’t make it to the final party?
Unfortunately, the contestants need to be present at the live event to give out samples of their product and claim their prize.
If I don’t live in the San Francisco Bay Area or in the New York Tri-State Area, can I still enter?
No, the contest is limited to the Bay Area residents and Tri-State area residents. However, keep an eye on our contest. Next year’s guest city could be anywhere.
What if I can’t make it to the final party?
Unfortunately, the contestants need to be present at the live event to give out samples of their product and claim their prize.
What constitutes as the Bay Area?
The Bay Area’s nine counties are Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, and Sonoma.
What constitutes as the Tri-State area?
The Tri-State area consists of the states New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
I only have an idea for a company, can I still apply?
No, entrants must be able to provide a final food sample or product.
If I win, are there obligations?
Yes, there are a few contest conditions. Please read the Official Rules to read the details of your obligations.
How is the winner of the People’s Choice Award determined?
Guests of the live event will be available to listen to your story, sample your product and vote for their favorite finalist. The finalist with the most votes from the guests wins the People’s Choice Award.
Is there a prize for the People’s Choice winner?
There is no prize for the People’s Choice Award, however you do get serious bragging rights.
If I’m chosen as a finalist, will I have to pay for my airfare to NYC for the live judging event?
Finalists (one person per finalist) from the San Francisco Bay Area will be flown to NYC for the live event.
If I’m chosen as a finalist, can I bring a guest to the live judging event?
All finalists are welcome to bring one guest to the event at no charge, but the Sponsor is not responsible for the travel arrangements of that guest.
How long is my stay in NYC if selected as a finalist?
As a finalist from the San Francisco Bay Area, you will be given a two night stay at a hotel of the Sponsor’s choosing. Check in is on March 26 and check out is March 28. You’re welcome to stay longer, but you will need to pay for any additional nights at a hotel.
If I’m a finalist, is transportation provided to the live event if I live outside of NYC?
No. You are responsible for paying for your own transportation to live event destination.
What does the in-person interview entail for the semi-finalists?
Semi-finalists will meet with the contest founders, present product and any associated materials.
Do I need to be a U.S. citizen to enter the contest?
Yes, you must be a U.S. citizen with a valid I.D. or passport.
Who won last year?
Last year’s winner was Sweet Loren’s. You can learn more on our Past Winners page.
