̽̽ is excited to announce the first-ever finalists for the inaugural Vermont Pitch Challenge, a new entrepreneurial-focused competition that gives high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors from across the world a chance to win a full tuition scholarship to ̽̽ and cash prizes by pitching innovative business plans that create a positive impact.
Student’s business plans were submitted online from January 15 – February 15 and judged by members of the ̽̽ Entrepreneurship Club. The no-entry fee challenge invited students globally to apply in teams of one to three, submitting business plans that focused on creating a positive impact and that provided solutions to problems faced in a target market. Nearly 150 teams of students from seven countries, and 27 states submitted their business plans for consideration. This year’s Vermont Pitch Challenge finalists include:
Team 1: OutsideConnection
- Competitor: Sebastian Tan
- Hometown: Sewickly, PA
- Overview: Helping formerly incarcerated individuals find employment opportunities
Team 2: DiscGuard
- Competitors: Pierson Jones and Parker Jones
- Hometown: Lutz, FL
- Overview: Improving patient outcomes by preventing reinjury after spinal surgery
Team 3: Ride for Mental Health
- Competitor: Pippa Scott
- Hometown: Killington, VT
- Overview: Providing an outlet of support for kids struggling with mental health through action sports
Team 4: EcoCharge
- Competitor: Eliza Strum
- Hometown: Ticonderoga, NY
- Overview: Reducing electric and plastic waste through eco-friendly charging
Team 5: Agri-Equip Incorporation
- Competitor: Danny Phillip
- Hometown: Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
- Overview: Catalyzing agricultural development in the vibrant landscapes of the U.S. Virgin Islands
Leading up to this announcement, students were invited to participate in monthly 45-minute learning sessions online featuring innovative leaders from across the entrepreneurial landscape at ̽̽ and beyond. Experts in the sessions offered tips and guidance on how to craft a successful business plan and pitch, which is crucial for creating the best possible submission.
“I was extremely impressed with the level of effort these high schoolers put into the submissions,” commented Joshua Moore, a Vermont Pitch Challenge judge and member of the ̽̽ Entrepreneurship Club. “It takes immense thought, research, resources, and time to pull together a successful business plan. I’m honored to judge these students and am looking forward to seeing the finalists pitch their plans in person on April 4.”
The five teams of finalists will now go on to pitch their plans in-person at ̽̽ on April 4 where winners will be ranked from first to fifth place. The first-place team members will each receive a full tuition scholarship to ̽̽ (contingent upon admission). The second and third place winning teams both receive a $5,000 check to be split evenly among the team members. The fourth and fifth place winning team will receive a $1,000 check. All cash prizes are taxable and paid in USD.
