The Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup | UVM Innovations | The University of Vermont(title)

The Meyers Cup is the largest undergraduate business pitch competition in the country. Grand prize winners receive a $225,000 cash prize to develop their business, plus in-kind services from local organizations and a network of mentors and advisors.

About the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup

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The Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup is an annual initiative to help fund the businesses of outstanding undergraduate entrepreneurs at The University of Vermont. The goal of this competition is to select, mentor, and finance UVM undergraduate entrepreneurs to create new Vermont-based business ventures, which profitably contribute to the greater economic, social, and environmental fabric of Vermont. The grand prize winner will receive $225,000 in cash plus in-kind services from local organizations including dedicated desk space at a local entrepreneurial co-working space as well as pro bono accounting, legal, and business development services. Prior to the final pitch, the three finalist teams will receive $2,000 to further their business concepts. 

Event History

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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.

Get Started

Information for Students

Who’s eligible to submit ideas?

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  • This opportunity is open to undergrad students across all UVM Schools and Colleges
  • All business proposals from all stages of development are welcome 
  • Teams must include at least one UVM undergrad who is graduating in the 24/25 school year
  • Not graduating just yet? All UVM undergraduate students are invited to join an eligible team and also participate in the development workshop with business partners.

How do I apply?

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1. Submit an application 

Submit applications through Google Forms by Wednesday, October 16. Students may submit a written abstract or a pitch deck following the prompted questions. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Once your application has been submitted, we will contact you via email to set up a brief interview. Early applicants may have the opportunity to share their ideas with the e-forum on October 11. 

While it is encouraged to apply through Google Forms you may email your submission to Mollie Davis at mollie.davis@uvm.edu. 

Apply Here by October 16

Meyers Cup Application Template

2. Acceptance into Cohort

Once applications close, the 2025 cohort will be chosen by UVM professors and community advisors. The accelerator will have weekly meetings with training sessions to prepare for the final pitch. 

3. Pitch to the Meyers Family

The program will conclude with a pitch showcase at the end of March. The Meyers family will award the final prize to the winner, live!

2024 Meyers Cup Inaugural Winner 

Painting with Purpose accepts the grand prize at the first annual Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup

Congratulations to Jake Falanga and Zach Dunn '23 from Painting With Purpose, the inaugural Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup grand prize winners! Read the full story.

Watch the 2024 Event (YouTube)

2025 Competition Schedule

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The competition offers ongoing opportunities for selected teams to develop mentorship relationships with community partners and improve pitches. Each week teams will attend training sessions led by experienced entrepreneurs and meet 1:1 with industry mentors. This expert-created curriculum will cover topics including business and financing models, customer discovery, pitch creation, and more. Competitors are encouraged to take advantage of all opportunities to engage with these business partners to deliver the best final presentations and business plans. 

Oct. 16, 2024Applications DueOnline submission
Oct. 21, 2024 2025 Meyers Cup Cohort Announced Online announcement 
Oct. 25, 2024Weekly Training Sessions Start Sessions every Friday through March, 2025
Mar. 21, 2025Final Pitch PresentationsSilver Maple Pavilion Alumni House


 

Resources

Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Mollie Davis

Mollie Davis

Student Entrepreneurship Coordinator

Mollie.Davis@UVM.edu

Thank You To Our Corporate Partners

Dinse
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Dinse

Dinse

Dinse, P.C. is a full-service firm representing businesses, institutions, and individuals in a wide range of complex cases and transactions. From the emphasis placed on building trusting, collaborative relationships to a pragmatic approach to developing tailored legal solutions for each unique challenge, Dinse is dedicated to exceeding expectations and achieving positive outcomes for our clients. For more information, please visit our website at www.dinse.com.

Fresh Tracks Capital
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Fresh Tracks

Fresh Tracks Capital

Founded in 200, Fresh Tracks Capital is a Vermont-focused investment fund that uses venture capital to create positive economic and community impacts. Across its funds, which total more than $47 million, FreshTracks has invested in more than 30 Vermont-based companies. FreshTracks hosts a number of events for entrepreneurs and investors, including Peak Pitch and Road Pitch. The firm’s General Partners and Managing Directors are Cairn Cross, Lee Bouyea and T.J. Whalen. FreshTracks is actively investing out of its most recent fund, FreshTracks Capital IV.

Fuse
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Fuse Marketing

Fuse is an award-winning marketing agency that help world class brands connect with teens and young adults.  The agency offers strategy, experiential, social media, public relations, and creative services.   Fuse has been named one of the best places to work in Vermont by Vermont Business Magazine and one of the top 25 places to work in the country by Outside Magazine.

Gallagher, Flynn & Company
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Gallagher, Flynn, & Company

Gallagher, Flynn & Company's services have been performance based and relationship driven for over 60 years. Its CPA services are the foundation of our firm, and set the benchmark for technical expertise and integrity in our suite of professional services. The firm is large enough to provide clients with a diverse portfolio of services while remaining as highly responsive and client-focused as always. GFC delivers accounting, tax, and consulting expertise in key business areas, including tax consulting & compliance, accounting & assurance, mergers, acquisitions & transaction, private equity support, business consulting, business valuation & litigation support, finance & accounting outsourcing, and HR consulting services.

Hula Lakeside
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Hula Logo

Hula Lakeside

Hula Lakeside is a lakefront coworking campus, business incubator and venture fund in Burlington’s South End, focused on elevating Vermont-based companies. It offers the most idyllic setting to recruit the top talent, maximize productivity, access necessary growth capital, and foster a healthy and active company culture.

Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies
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VCET

Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies 

The Vermont Center for Emerging Technologies (VCET) serves entrepreneurs, innovation leaders, and startup businesses from start to scale through business consulting, mentorship, coworking, and seed investment. Since 2005, the VCET team has worked with entrepreneurs helping to crystallize concepts, assemble teams, craft business models, secure resources and locate early customers. VCET’s programs and capital funds offer select early stage firms substantive business mentoring along with traditional business incubator services and infrastructure.

Meyers Cup News

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