Laurel Butler

Specialty Advisor

Start-Up and Student Entrepreneurship

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 Laurel Butler click on her image, this will provide contact information and more about Laurel’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.

The 15th Annual (free)

2024 Vermont Entrepreneurship (Virtual) Day

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 – 8:30am – 11:15am

Theme:
“Vermont Entrepreneurs…. Finding Your Groove”

Prior to the event – 9th – 12th grade students can enter the:
Visual Media Competitions – Entries due by January 10, 2024
Bumper Stickers & YouTube Videos – WIN CASH PRIZES!

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

Note: Students do not have to enter the competition(s) to join the Feb. 7, 2024

Secondary Educator Professional Development

Creativity and Innovation

Entrepreneurship w/ Personal & Business Financial Literacy

Fall 2023 – Lake Morey Resort – Oct 16 & 17 (and follow on)

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

  • Only $1,695 includes: Program/Conference, 3 Grad Credits, Workbook, Lesson Plans, all Meals (2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinner and snacks), overnight accommodations for Monday Oct 16 and follow on program.
  • Only $795 for all of the above with 15 to 30 PD credits – excluding grad credits

Flyer 

Basic Timeframe – for Oct 16-17

16TH Annual HS/CTE Students

2024 Business/Entrepreneurship Competitions Submission deadline: May 17, 2024

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

Note: Competition Information to be posted December 2023

“Creativity & Innovation” – for all SECONDARY STUDENTS

Governor's Institute of Vermont – Entrepreneurship

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

June 25 – June 30, 2023 (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.

Past Events and Programs

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

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

2022 Virtual Entrepreneurship Day

Wednesday, February 9

13th Annual Student Business/Entrepreneurship 2021 Competitions

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

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

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 […]