Six teams of entrepreneurial-minded University of Vermont (UVM) undergraduate students pitched their business ideas at the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup semifinal presentations last Thursday, February 22.
Announced last April by UVM's Grossman School of Business (GSB), this business launch competition is the first of its kind in Vermont that aims to help mentor and finance UVM undergraduate entrepreneurs to create new Vermont-based business ventures. Each year over the next 10 years, one grand prize winner will receive $212,500 in cash plus in-kind services from corporate partners to start their business.
In its first year, the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup hosted two pitch development workshops in the fall with community business partners who provided feedback on students’ business ideas for refinement ahead of the semifinal presentations.
“This new annual competition provides funding, mentorship, and resources to support outstanding undergraduate entrepreneurs at UVM," said Erik Monsen, associate professor, Steven Grossman Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship and Meyers Cup program lead. “It was incredible to experience the variety of innovative ideas that are being pursued by UVM students.”
At the semifinals last week, four judges including Ted Lawrence from Dinse, Cairn Cross from FreshTracks Capital, Elisia Laramee from Gallagher Flynn & Company, and David Bradbury from VCET observed the student teams’ presentations—all vying to advance to the finals on April 25, 2024 for the chance to win the grand prize.
The judges selected four teams to advance, including:
Accessible
Daniel Hibbs and Aidan Connolly
Accessible is a visionary startup dedicated to transforming efficient living by providing innovative and sustainable Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). With the growing need for affordable housing and sustainable development, Accessible aims to make a positive impact on communities while creating a profitable venture. Accessible’ s collaborative approach and ongoing customer discovery process allows us to place the unique needs of Vermont homeowners at the focal point of our business model — with the end goal of providing a comprehensive, turn-key ADU installation service.
Sclova
Nicole Sobczak & Michaela Sobczak
Sclova addresses the growing demand for at-home assistance amid the aging baby boomer population by connecting college students with seniors. The app allows seniors or their families to request specific tasks, such as rides, errands, or technology assistance. College students can choose tasks that fit their schedules, offering flexibility without the commitment of minimum weekly hours. This disrupts the traditional high-cost home care model and caters to those who don't require around-to-clock care but occasional help. Sclova provides a dynamic solution, enhancing seniors' lives and offering students meaningful community interactions while earning income.
Painting With Purpose
Jake Falanga and Zachary Dunn
Painting With Purpose (PWP) is a residential and commercial painting company that donates a portion of its profits to CVOEO's Tim's House shelter in St. Albans, VT. PWP specializes in painting, but also offer lead abatement, lead inspections, power washing, and minor carpentry services. PWP is a profitable venture which has just reached its two-year anniversary this February.
Sew Up
Lucy Powell & Taylor Moulton
Sew Up is a company that provides community members with an opportunity to receive sewing lessons that are centered around sustainability, artistic expression, and inclusion. Through customizable member packages, community members will have access to a variety of different class topics and modalities. Additionally, Sew Up will direct a portion of all sales back into a scholarship program, called the Sew Up Scholarship Fund (SUSF), that will provide low-income community members with the opportunity to receive technical sewing training, business development skills, and a strengthened sense of community within Vermont. The Sew Up team hopes to strengthen the fabric of Vermont one stitch at a time.
Save the date for the final competition on April 25, 2024 where the grand prize winner will be announced. Learn more about the donors, community business partners, and history of the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup.