The Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup is a new annual initiative to help fund the businesses of undergraduate entrepreneurs at the University of Vermont (UVM). Announced in April by UVM's Grossman School of Business (GSB), this business launch competition is the first of its kind in Vermont and aims to help mentor and finance UVM undergraduate entrepreneurs to create new Vermont-based business ventures. Each year over the next 10 years starting in April 2024, one grand prize winner will receive $212,500 in cash plus in-kind services from corporate partners to start their business.
Application submissions are now open to UVM undergraduates who will graduate in the 2023-24 academic year. Application deadlines are October 10, 2023 ahead of a development workshop on October 18, 2023, as well as November 15, 2023 and January 27, 2024. The competition offers ongoing opportunities for eligible entrants to develop mentorship relationships with corporate partners and improve pitches. Each application draft submission is also an opportunity to receive feedback from corporate partners who will review and send feedback following each submission.
All Undergraduates Are Encouraged To Get Involved
All UVM undergraduates are welcome to join the development workshop. Undergraduate students who are not yet graduating but have a business idea or entrepreneurial mindset can become involved at any stage by teaming up with graduating UVM students who are eligible or listening to feedback provided at the development workshop to refine their pitch for when they become eligible.
"No matter what year you are as an undergraduate at UVM or what college or school you’re studying in, the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup is a great way to learn about both pitching and launching either an innovative small business or high-growth venture ” said Erik Monsen, Associate Professor, Steven Grossman endowed chair in entrepreneurship, Grossman School of Business. “We’re grateful for our community partners who have offered their time and support for our students and our Meyers Cup adventure.”
In-Kind Support From Corporate Partners
In addition to providing feedback on submitted applications, corporate partners will offer in-kind prizes, including Vermont-based legal, accounting, marketing, and other start-up related support, to the winners to help launch their businesses. Corporate partners include: Dinse P.C.; Fresh Tracks Capital; Fuse; Gallagher, Flynn & Company; Hula Lakeside; and Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies.
“The Grossman School of Business appreciates the generous gift from Chip Meyers, the son of two UVM alumni representing the Meyers Family Trust, that enables aspiring UVM students to launch their business ideas right here in Vermont,” said Sanjay Sharma, dean, Grossman School of Business. “Entrepreneurs are the heartbeat of the business world. This is the perfect initiative for GSB as it allows us to elevate our existing portfolio of entrepreneurial activities and develop entrepreneurial-minded students so they can add value to society and the planet.”
The History of the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup
Joy and Jerry Meyers met as undergraduate students at the University of Vermont. Their children grew up skiing in Stowe, including Chip Meyers, who along with his wife Louise Meyers, made this generous donation to UVM representing the Meyers Family Trust in honor of his parents. The donor’s goal is to showcase the University of Vermont’s student entrepreneurs, with the top prize launching the winner from concept to reality, and also to create Vermont-based organizations that will benefit the University and the State of Vermont. Initial funding for this event is guaranteed through 2033.
View information about the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup, including full competition schedule, the application, and information about eligibility, prizes and payments.