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Secondary School Resources

Tamie-Jo Dickinson
Statewide Start-up Advisor, Entrepreneurship Education

VtSBDC, in partnership with Vermont Business Education Corporation (VBEC), is committed to the students of Vermont becoming entrepreneurs invested in the growth of our state.

VBEC hosts statewide student and teacher entrepreneurship programs. It provides teacher trainings and programs within schools and showcases annual entrepreneurship events as high school/career technical center business plan and pitch competitions, etc. It utilizes many of the VtSBDC resources plus incorporates VT REAL (Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning), an experiential learning curriculum that develops entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, while guiding participants through the process of planning, creating and operating a business of their own design. Programs are designed to foster the students’ entrepreneurial mindset so they are able to see problems as opportunities to create social and economic value and act on them now.

To reach our Student Entrepreneurship Advisor Tamie-Jo Dickinson click on her image, this will provide contact information and more about Tamie-Jo’s skills in student and educator entrepreneurship and more. You can also contact her by e-mail using the icon on the left of this screen.

Get Ready, Vermont—Entrepreneurship Month Is Here!

We’re leveling up from a single Entrepreneurship Day to a full month of creativity, innovation, and inspiration. This year’s theme, “Dream it, Build it.”, invites students to imagine bold ideas and learn from the Vermonters who turned their own dreams into thriving local businesses. It’s a month-long celebration of possibility—where imagination meets action, and real-world success stories fuel students’ ambition

Spotlight on the Darn Tough Lesson Plan

Ever wondered how a small Vermont company became a global brand? In this hands-on, cross-curricular lesson, students dive into the story of Darn Tough, a business that dreamed big, built relentlessly, and created something world-renowned right here in Central Vermont.

The package includes:

  • An engaging core lesson exploring entrepreneurship, innovation, and resilience
  • Math, English, and social studies extensions so teachers across the curriculum can join the fun
  • A creativity challenge—perfect for pre–school vacation energy—where students can submit their own designs to a statewide contest with real prizes!

Spotlight on the Darn Tough Lesson Plan
Darn Tough Submission Link

It’s the perfect blend of inspiration and action, showing students exactly what it looks like to “Dream it, Build it.” in Vermont.

Statewide Bumper Sticker & Video/Visual Media Competitions

The fan favorites are back! Students can choose their creative adventure:

Graphic Design Challenge

Design a bold, eye-catching bumper sticker that expresses Vermont’s entrepreneurial spirit.

Video/Visual Media Challenge

Interview a Vermont entrepreneur or create a mini-documentary that captures innovation, grit, and the power of dreaming big.

Students get the chance to practice storytelling, build creative skills, and connect with real business owners shaping Vermont’s economy.

Celebrate Entrepreneurship Inside Your Own School

This year, students can shine a spotlight on innovation happening right in their hallways:

  • Student-run businesses
  • Teachers using creative, entrepreneurial approaches
  • School projects that solve real economic problems
  • Initiatives that show how your school “Dreams it, Builds it!”

This new category celebrates the entrepreneurial spirit on your own campus—and offers another chance to show what Vermont’s students can do.

Business Model Canvas Competition:

Work individually or in teams to develop a new business using the Business Model Canvas framework. Your canvas should illustrate how your business embodies the theme “Dream It. Build It!” — showing a clear path from vision to action, and how your idea could create value, opportunity, and community impact in Vermont. Entry due May 1, 2026

Ready to Dive In?

Here are the lesson plans and classroom resources to help you bring these competitions to life.
Let’s inspire Vermont’s next generation of changemakers—let’s Dream it, Build it!

Criteria                 Bumper Sticker                  Video/Visual Media                Submission Link               Business Model Canvas

General Information

Secondary Educator Professional Development

Entrepreneurial Pathways: Connecting Learning to Life and Work

Fall 2025 – Vermont State University, Randolph Campus – November 7, 2025 and May 1, 2026

Vermont State University w/ option to earn 3 grad credits through Castleton VTSU or Professional Development credits only. For those new to program – and for those returning from previous programs.

This course prepares high school educators to integrate entrepreneurship education across subject areas to enhance student engagement, relevance, and real-world application. Teachers will explore how entrepreneurial thinking complements curriculum in disciplines including STEM, humanities, and the arts, and how it can be used as a lens for career readiness. By the end of the course, participants will have designed and peer-reviewed an entrepreneurship-infused unit or project plan to implement in their classrooms.

Professional Development Opportunities

  • Option 1 – $250 (15 Professional Development Hours)
    Includes: registration for two in-person sessions (November & May), lunch, and classroom-ready course materials.
  • Option 2 – $350 (30 Professional Development Hours)
    Includes everything from the 15-hour option, plus participation in six virtual sessions (1.5–2 hours each, held October through April). Additional time will be devoted to curriculum development, with expanded classroom resources provided.
  • Option 3 – $700 (Undergraduate Credit, Vermont State University/Castleton)
    Earn undergraduate credits by completing all of the above requirements, along with additional readings and assignments (adapted from graduate-level expectations).
  • Option 4 – $700 (3 Graduate Credits, Vermont State University/Castleton)
    Earn graduate credits by completing all of the above requirements, plus additional readings and assignments as required at the graduate level.

Those seeking graduate or undergraduate credit will attend the November and May in-person meeting, as well as a 1.5 -2 hour virtual meeting October, December, January, February, March, and April.

Save Your Space

Celebrating Innovation & Community

VERMONT ENTREPRENEURSHIP MONTH

We’re taking Entrepreneurship Day to the next level—welcome to Entrepreneurship Month! This year’s theme, “Community First,” highlights how Vermont entrepreneurs are making a difference, and we’ve got exciting resources and opportunities to bring this spirit into your classroom.

Spotlight on the Darn Tough Lesson Plan

This interactive lesson plan gives students three ways to gain recognition while diving into the success story of Darn Tough. Students will explore the company’s commitment to sustainability and community impact through engaging activities designed for math, English, and social studies classrooms. Plus, there’s a creative challenge that will put their problem-solving skills to the test—an excellent activity before school vacation!

Bumper Sticker & Video Competitions: A Creative Gateway to Entrepreneurship

The Bumper Sticker and Video Competitions are back, offering Vermont high school students an exciting platform to explore entrepreneurship through creativity and storytelling.

  • Graphic Design: Create a compelling bumper sticker that captures the entrepreneurial spirit of Vermont.
  • Video Interviews: Connect with real-life Vermont business owners and tell their stories, gaining valuable insights into innovation and resilience.

New this year: Students can also showcase the entrepreneurial spirit within their own schools! Whether it’s student-run businesses, teachers using innovative approaches, or how schools are tackling economic challenges with creativity, this competition is a chance to celebrate ingenuity in action.

By participating, students gain real-world connections, discover career opportunities in Vermont’s workforce, and even ignite ideas for launching their own ventures. Let’s inspire the next generation of changemakers—get involved today!

Past Events and Programs

Secondary Educator Professional Development

Creativity and Innovation

Entrepreneurship w/ Personal & Business Financial Literacy

Fall 2024 – Lake Morey Resort – Oct 21 & 22

Vermont State University w/ option to earn 3 grad credits through Castleton VTSU

or Professional Development credits only
For those new to program – and for those returning from previous programs

  • $850 includes: Program/Conference/Registration (meals/overnight) - 15 PD hours
  • $970 Option for 3 Graduate Credits through VT State University (Castleton)

October conference plus 2.5 hours monthly through early May 2025

 Flyer 

Save Your Space
Purchase Order for program

“Creativity & Innovation” – for all SECONDARY STUDENTS

Governor's Institute of Vermont – Entrepreneurship

The new Vermont State University – at Randolph Campus (Vermont Tech)

June 23 – June 28, 2024 (residential program)

Join this, hands-on experiential entrepreneurial program and learn what it takes

to create a successful business to compete in today’s market.

Flyer

The 15th Annual

2024 Vermont Entrepreneurship (Virtual) Day

From Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Theme: “Vermont Entrepreneurs…. Finding Your Groove”

The "Vermont Entrepreneurs …. Finding Your Groove" competition is an exciting and engaging opportunity for high school students in Vermont to explore the world of entrepreneurship through creative expression. The competition revolves around two main components: graphic design and video interviews with Vermont-based business owners.  Both culminating event on Feb 7, 2024 and competitions aim to celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship, encourage self-discovery, and inspire students to explore their passions and creativity. By connecting with real-life entrepreneurs and expressing their insights through graphic design and storytelling, students will gain a deeper appreciation for the transformative power of entrepreneurship in Vermont.  This also gives students greater knowledge and awareness for what’s available right here in Vermont’s workforce or what might be possibilities for one day starting/creating a venture of their own design and building additional workforce opportunities for others.

Competition Guidelines and Ready to use Lesson Plan
10 Tips for Creating a Compelling Video

Competition Entry Form

PowerPoint Slides

Agenda with timestamps

Watch Recording

14th (February 9, 2023) Annual

Vermont Entrepreneurship Day attended by more than 400 students, educators, and community leaders

15th Annual HS/CTE Students

Business/Entrepreneurship 2023 Competitions - Submission deadline: May 19th

Download

14th Annual Student Business/Entrepreneurship 2022 Competitions - Submission deadline: May 2nd

1. Business Model Canvas (BMC) Plans
2. Business Video Pitch Plans

Click below for: REQUIREMENTS (formats/rubrics) – SUBMISSION GUIDELINES & TIMELINES

Download

2022 Virtual Entrepreneurship Day

Wednesday, February 9

Watch the Recording

13th Annual Student Business/Entrepreneurship 2021 Competitions

1. Business Model Canvas (BMC) Plans
2. Business Video Pitch Plans

View Details

12th Annual Student Entrepreneurship Day – Feb 10th, 2021 [Virtual Event] – and Visual Media Competition

View Details
High School/Career Technical Center Students from around the State celebrated Entrepreneurship Day – February 5, 2019 February 22, 2019

High School/Career Technical Center Students from around the State celebrated Entrepreneurship Day – February 5, 2019

2 minute read“Vermont Entrepreneurs….. Creating Solutions” Hosted by: the Vermont Small Business Development Center, VT Career & Technical Center Student Organizations, VT SBA and the Vermont Business Education Corps. Over 225 secondary students and their teachers from around the state participated in the 10th annual Entrepreneurship Day/Event February 5, 2019 in Montpelier to celebrate the importance of Vermont […]
Have a question? Email Tamie-Jo

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