• Prepare a “7-minute” slide deck which outlines
  • Unique value created, industry & competitor analysis, key customers & stakeholders, operational model, financial plan, and impact potential.         
  • Link to Detailed Criteria Here…
• By 5pm Thursday April 10^th, submit “draft” slide deck to your college/school’s coordinator for consideration:
  • GSB (Erik Monsen), RESNR (Dave Kaufman), CALS (Trisha Shrum), CEMS (Keith Epstein), others (Erik Monsen)

• Compete on Thursday April 24^th from 5pm to 8pm in Leahy Hall 102.
• Deliver a 7-minute pitch followed by 5-minute expert Q&A.
• Be evaluated by panel of outside experts including UVM Alumni, experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and entrepreneurial advisors

This year’s competition judges include:

• Lauren Bass SI-MBA '20, Executive Director @ LaunchVT
• Matt Buder Shapiro ’12, Chief Marketing Officer @ Vytalize Health and Angel Investor
• Nicole Eaton ‘23, Marketing & Communications Manager @ Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies
• Sarah Kearns, Business Advisor of Strategic Projects @ Vermont Small Business Development Center
• Jesse Stein, Technology Licensing Officer @ UVM Innovations
• Hannah Wood ’95, Founder & Executive Director @ Talent Skatepark
• Jeff Bennett, Founder and CEO @ Caspian Capital Solutions LLC
   

These expert judges will evaluate the business ideas based on unique value created, industry and competitor analysis, key customers and stakeholders, operational model, financial plan, and impact potential, as well as the quality of pitch delivery and Q&A. 

2025 Judging Criteria (PDF) 

Local community sponsors include Moulton Law Group, Gallagher, Flynn & Company, Fuse Marketing, and Campus Storage Solutions. These sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the entrepreneurial community within Burlington and across Vermont.

Alumni sponsors include David Aronoff ’86, Jodi Goldstein ’89, and Richard Bass ’66,  who have helped 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.

Moulton Law Group is a boutique law firm providing sophisticated corporate legal counsel. We strive to provide our clients with the legal expertise and knowledge expected from a large national law firm, while providing fair rates, flexible fee arrangements and the personal attention of senior-level attorneys that can only realistically be provided by a boutique practice.

Gallagher, Flynn & Company has been committed to the success of our clients for more than 60 years. As one of the largest independent CPA and business consulting firms in northern New England, our highly experienced team brings valuable business and financial insights along with practical, strategic advice. We are a fully integrated professional services firm of seasoned professionals providing tax, accounting and assurance, HR, finance and transaction advisory services.

Fuse creates authentic brand engagement for teens and young adults, specializing in developing and executing sports, sampling, campus, culture and customer marketing programs while providing services in brand strategy, social media, digital communications, experiential and design services. 

Campus Storage Solutions is a summer storage and moving company by students for students.  Winners of the 2024 Most Launch-Ready Award, they are now excited to support fellow students in their entrepreneurial ventures by sponsoring the award.

Community is at the heart of what Leonardo’s does. Sharing our love through pizza. Ours is a partnership, built on mutual admiration and trust. You are the inspiration behind all we do. Your passionate support fuels our team to be better every day. Our commitment to you is integrity, quality, and authenticity. With innovation and creativity as our foundation, we won't stop striving until you get the very best.