CFES and the University of Vermont have teamed up to give students a chance to pitch their business ideas to experts in the Vermont Pitch Challenge. If you feel the spark of innovation, the call of entrepreneurship, the pull to help humankind–then this contest is for you. The contest challenges high school students (grades 10-12) to identify problems in their community and present a way to solve it.

The Vermont Pitch Challenge gives high school entrepreneurs from across the globe the chance to pitch innovative businesses that make a difference in their communities. Along the way, they’ll learn from top experts about how to write a business plan, create a compelling pitch, and achieve their goals–all while competing for cash prizes and scholarships to the University of Vermont.

Plans will be judged by UVM students for how effectively they address problems faced by their market, their competitive value, and their practical feasibility. The competition will give students hands-on experience with fundamental concepts and skills such as product development, market research, business financing and fundraising, and business operations. The Grand prize is a full scholarship to the University of Vermont (tuition and comprehensive fee). Second and third place receive $5,000 checks while fourth and fifth place win $1,000 each.