UVM student wins $215K prize with successful painting business startup

A group of University of Vermont students in Burlington, VT received recognition for founding a local start-up company called Painting with Purpose. Zach Dunn, who started the business in 2022 with the support of UVM’s Catamount Innovation Fund, explained that their goal was to address the shortage of trades in the community.

After two years of hard work, Dunn and his team were awarded the Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup at a new competition hosted by UVM’s Grossman School of Business. Three undergraduate teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges, with Dunn’s group ultimately winning the $215,500 grand prize. Dunn shared that the prize money will be reinvested into the business to support its growth.

Starting a business can be challenging, Dunn admitted. He advised aspiring entrepreneurs to begin small, keep things simple, and seek assistance from knowledgeable individuals. Painting with Purpose specializes in residential and commercial painting jobs, as well as offering lead abatement, lead inspections, power washing, and minor carpentry services. Additionally, they donate a portion of their profits to Tim’s House, a shelter in St. Albans.

Erik Monsen, a UVM business professor, emphasized the importance of programs like the one that supported Dunn’s start-up. He highlighted the significance of teaching confidence in addition to skills, as it plays a crucial role in entrepreneurship success. Dunn and his team expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment they received and were eager to continue their hard work to grow their business further.