Undergraduate students from across the University of Vermont are gearing up to present their innovative new venture ideas to a panel of expert entrepreneurial judges from the Vermont community at the upcoming annual UVM Business Pitch Competition on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 from 5 to 8 p.m. at UVM’s Grossman School of Business. This event brings together projects aimed at addressing contemporary challenges and seizing emerging opportunities. Entrepreneurship fans from UVM and the local community are encouraged to attend this showcase of student innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. 

Competition Structure 

The competition invites UVM students with innovative and impactful plans to start and grow either a business or a mission-driven organization. Participants will craft a short and compelling presentation outlining their business's unique value proposition. Students will be required to demonstrate a viable business solution and plan that addresses an existing consumer need or creates one, identify target markets, and outline operational and management plans for success. 

Cash Prizes for the Winners 

There will be cash prizes awarded to students for:  

  • Grand Prize ($1,200) 
  • Best Pitch ($600) 
  • Most Launch-Ready ($600) 
  • Most Sustainable ($600) 
  • Most Innovative Technology ($600) 
  • Peoples’ Choice Award ($600) sponsored by the UVM's Entrepreneurship club 

Evaluations and Judges 

Students interested in entering must prepare their slide deck detailing the unique value created, industry and competitor analysis, key customers and stakeholders, operational model, financial plan, and growth potential for consideration. This year’s competition judges include: 

Event Sponsors 

This year’s sponsors and partners make up local community sponsors including Moulton Law Group, Gallagher, Flynn & Company, and Fuse Marketing. These sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the entrepreneurial community within Burlington and across Vermont.  

Alumni sponsors including David Aronoff ’86, Jodi Goldstein ’89, and Richard Bass ’66 help to make this event even more special for our  aspiring student entrepreneurs  

At UVM, this cross-campus competition is a collaboration between the Grossman School of Business, Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, College of Arts & Sciences, UVM’s student Entrepreneurship Club and UVM’s Office of the Vice President of Research. 

Learn more about the UVM Business Pitch Competition.