Created the vision of LaunchVT to empower start-ups to get their businesses successfully launched. Partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to provide staffing and start-up funds. Established annual competition logistics and protocol in which entrepreneurs compete for funds to finance their start-ups. Recruited talented advisory board of entrepreneurs, mentors, and venture capitalists (VC’s) to execute overall plan. Work with VC’s and entrepreneurs to develop relevant mentoring opportunities for contestants.• Developed two sponsorship opportunities for businesses to raise funds for the competition: one for cash, the other for in-kind services. Successfully raise at least $115K annual cash and in-kind prize. Currently building up a cash reserve to ensure continuation of the competition regardless of swings in the local economy. • Developed panel of four judges – mostly VC’s – who determine which teams will be funded. To date, 26 teams have competed. Successful alumni include: IrisVR (www.irisvr.com), Notabli (www.notabli.com), Renoun (www.renoun.com) and ThinkMD (www.thinkmd.org). • Sponsor a seminar series led by business community experts open to the public on entrepreneurial topics ranging from marketing and brand development to teambuilding to how to pitch a business to investors. • In 2016, helped develop LaunchVT Collegiate, bringing together student teams from nine Vermont colleges and universities with the winning team receiving $7,500 in cash and a finalist spot in LaunchVT’s main competition.• Recipient of the Lake Champlain Regional Chamber of Commerce Rising Star Award in recognition for contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem.