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 Competition
Competition Overview
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 Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Leahy Hall 102 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. 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 ($1,000)
- Best Pitch ($500)
- Most Launch-Ready ($500)
- Most Sustainable ($500)
- Most Innovative Technology ($500)
- Peoples’ Choice Award ($500) sponsored by the UVM's Entrepreneurship club
To Apply
- 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 10th, 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)
Selected Finalists Will
- Compete on Thursday April 24th 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
Judges and Evaluation
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
- Jesse Stein, Technology Licensing Officer @ UVM Innovations
- Additional Judges T.B.A.
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.
Event Sponsors
Past year’s sponsors and partners make up local community sponsors and have included Moulton Law Group, Gallagher, Flynn & Company, Fuse Marketing, and Leonardo’s Pizza. These sponsors play a crucial role in supporting the entrepreneurial community within Burlington and across Vermont.
Past alumni sponsors have included David Aronoff ’86, Jodi Goldstein ’89, and Richard Bass ’66 and 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.
Explore More
Learn More About Grossman's Entrepreneurship Theme
Undergraduate Concentrations & Themes