UVM students met with venture capitalists, investors, and entrepreneurs at the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup Development Workshop & Open House on October 18, 2023 to receive feedback on their business ideas. The goal of this new business launch competition is to provide graduating students with the opportunity to develop and receive funding for launching their new business in Vermont, with the grand prize winner receiving $212,500 to be exact plus in-kind services to set them up for success. The workshop allowed undergrads to connect with and gain feedback directly from business partners to further refine their business ideas ahead of the final application submission deadline of January 27, 2024.
Students from across the University of Vermont’s campus were in attendance and eager to take part in this campus-wide entrepreneurship event. Students at the workshop represented a variety of the university’s majors – from environmental science, community entrepreneurship, and social work to business, finance, and psychology. Most students in attendance were preparing to graduate, except for two students vying to create the best business proposal possible for next year's competition. Erik Monson, associate professor at GSB, facilitated the event, which also was attended by other faculty members including Steven Gagner, a GSB lecturer and serial entrepreneur.
Business partners who shared insights with students included Sam Roach-Gerber, vice president at VCET; Cairn Cross, co-founder and managing director of Fresh Tracks Capital; and Jesse Curran, director of finance and administration at Hula. These partners listened to students’ proposals, which varied from an app aiding in the optimization of energy consumption patterns, to locally-sourced salad dressings. Additionally, Issa Sawabini, founder and partner of Fuse Marketing, was not present but provided written feedback to the students who submitted their first drafts on October 10.
Although the Meyers cup is a competition, all business partners and judges are eager to support students towards their entrepreneurial goals. To that end, there will be a second development workshop & open house held in November (date TBA) following the second draft submission deadline of November 15. All students who submit their drafts by this deadline will receive detailed verbal and written from all community partners ahead of and at the next workshop.
The competition is ongoing, and students are encouraged to apply at each deadline to receive continued feedback from business partners and prepare their best business application. Final applications are due January 27, 2024; first drafts are welcome at each deadline. Learn more about the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, including submission schedule, eligibility, and how to apply. Contact Prof. Erik Monsen with any questions.