BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Young entrepreneurs pitched their businesses Thursday for a chance to win a full ride to UVM. The Vermont Pitch Challenge began in the fall, and he collected more than 150 business proposals from students across the country. On Thursday, the five finalists gave presentations explaining why their business model is a winner.
Pippa Scott, a third year student at Killington Mountain School, said: “We want to make sure no one feels alone no matter what and that they have someone to talk to.”
Scott is one of five finalists in the Vermont Pitch Challenge. A snowboarder, her nonprofit organization Ride for Mental Health provides young athletes with resources and support to deal with mental health issues.
“I lost my third friend to suicide and no one seemed to have a plan for how I could help my community. I felt inspired to step up to bat and make a difference. I realized I had to, and that's when I started Ride for Mental Health,” Scott said.
On Thursday, Scott and four other student teams from around the country and abroad presented seven-minute pitches to a panel of judges for a chance to win full-ride scholarships to UVM.
The university's vice president, Jay Jacobs, says the experience is designed to teach students valuable life skills.
“Ideally, they all find confidence in some of the skills that lead to success, whether it's a business idea or something else… public speaking, creative thinking, communication skills, etc.” said Jacobs.
After each team presented their pitch, the judges returned to announce the winners.
Scott, who won the top prize, enthusiastically says that anyone can create their own business model.
“Take the steps. We encourage you to reach out to your support system, talk about what your business idea is, and get help. Most importantly, the community you're a part of and the community you're a part of. I think it’s about asking them for help,” Scott said.
Scott won the top prize, but the finalists each received prizes ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
Jacobs said he is working on improving and growing the pitch challenge for next year.
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