About the Competition
About the UVM Business Pitch Competition
University of Vermont (UVM) students who have innovative and impactful plans to start and grow either a business or a mission-driven organization are invited to apply. The presentation and pitch must demonstrate a viable business solution and plan that addresses an existing consumer need, or can create one, identifies a target market, and outlines the operational and management plan for success. The winning business teams walk away with cash prizes.
2025 Business Pitch Competition Results
- Grand Prize ($1,500): Lock Down Goaltending, LLC | Ellie Simmons
- Best Pitch ($750) sponsored by Moulton Law Group: Lock Down Goaltending, LLC | Ellie Simmons
- Most Launch-Ready ($750) sponsored by Campus Storage Solutions: Auto-Focus | Reuben Stief
- Most Sustainable ($750): Three Rivers Adventures, LLC | Ella Sudduth, Shealagh (Shea) Brown
- Most Innovative Technology ($750): Grunch | Thomas Hull
- Peoples’ Choice Award ($750) sponsored by UVM's Entrepreneurship club: Three Rivers Adventures, LLC | Ella Sudduth, Shealagh (Shea) Brown
The 2025 competition judges featured:
- Lauren Bass SI-MBA '20, Executive Director of LaunchVT
- Matt Buder Shapiro ’12, Chief Marketing Officer of Vytalize Health and Angel Investor
- Nicole Eaton ‘23, Marketing & Communications Manager at Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies
- Sarah Kearns, Business Advisor of Strategic Projects at Vermont Small Business Development Center
- Jesse Stein, Technology Licensing Officer for UVM Innovations
- Hannah Wood ’95, Founder & Executive Director of Talent Skatepark
- Jeff Bennett, Founder and CEO of Caspian Capital Solutions LLC
The success of the competition was made possible through the support of various sponsors and partners, including:
- Alumni sponsors: David Aronoff ’86, Jodi Goldstein '89, and Richard Bass ‘66
- Grossman School of Business
- Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources / Parks, Recreation, & Tourism Program
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences / Community Development & Applied Economics Department
- College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences/Mechanical Engineering Department
- College of Arts & Sciences / School of the Arts
- UVM Office of the Vice President of Research
- UVM Entrepreneurship Club
A special thanks to local community sponsors, including Moulton Law Group, Gallagher, Flynn & Company, Fuse Marketing, Campus Storage Solutions, and Leonardo's Pizza. These sponsors played a crucial role in supporting the entrepreneurial community within Burlington and across Vermont, providing invaluable support to aspiring student entrepreneurs.
2025 Sponsors
Moulton Law Group
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
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 Marketing
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
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.
Leonardo's Pizza
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.
Explore More
Learn More About Grossman's Entrepreneurship Theme
Undergraduate Concentrations & Themes