ZINNSTARTER

Calling all Entrepreneurs

ZinnStarter is UVU’s business pitch competition, held every semester, where students have the opportunity to secure equity-free funding for their startups. Open to all UVU students, ZinnStarter provides a platform to pitch business ideas, receive valuable feedback, and compete for funding that helps turn their ventures into reality. Whether you're launching a new business or scaling an existing one, this competition is for you.

apply here

All business types

For all business types looking for funding

Event Day:

Monday April 7, 2025 - 4:00pm

At Vallejo Auditorium KB 101

Tech Business

Exclusively for tech-related businesses

Event Day:

Tuesday April 8, 2025 - 6:00pm

At Vallejo Auditorium KB 101

General questions

Who can apply?

Teams must have at least one current UVU student (enrolled in a course of 6 months or longer in pursuit of an endorsement, diploma, associates, bachelors, or graduate degree at Utah Valley University) on the team to apply and be accepted. All are welcome to attend.

What kind of business can apply?

Any student business can apply, whether you're just getting started, or already have your first customers.

What are the prizes?

Awards vary from $250-$2500. You must be a current UVU degree seeking student to be eligible to receive any funding. if you are an international student, or have any current fafsa grants, awards may affect your status. Please check with the UVU finance office if you have questions.

What is the timeline?

March 1 Applications DUE

March 7 Finalists Announced via email

March 17-April 1 Meet with a mentor to work on your pitch

April 2 Slides Due

April 7 and 8 Final Events

What is the judging criteria?

  • Demonstrated understanding of the problem to be solved
  • Clear presentation of a solution (concept-stage is okay)
  • Deep understanding of the market
  • Reasonable revenue model and pathway to profitability
  • Well-outlined competitive advantage and value proposition

Can someone help me with my application?

Yes! Schedule a mentoring appointment at the Entrepreneurship Institute.

What are the requirements to participate?

  • Written application
  •  Meet with a mentor at the Institute after acceptance
  • Read "Tough things First" book (copies available in KB 102)
  • 4-minute presentation outlining your business concept, business model, and your funding request , followed by 3 minutes of Q&A by judges

ZinnStarter’s mission is to:

  • Instill the next generation of entrepreneurs to create enduring businesses
  • Provide seed money for promising business plans
  • Provide students with Ray Zinn’s leadership, management and entrepreneurship knowledge
student working at zinnstarter student working at zinnstarter student wins at zinnstarter event student presenting at zinnstarter students at zinnstarter
photo of donor ray zinn of zinnstarter

Thank you Ray Zinn!

Raymond “Ray” Zinn is an inventor, entrepreneur and the longest serving CEO of a publicly traded company in Silicon Valley. He is best known for creating and selling the first Wafer Stepper and for co-founding semiconductor company, Micrel (acquired by Microchip in 2015). Zinn also holds over 20 patents for semiconductor design. A proud great-grandfather, he is actively-retired and mentoring entrepreneurs. Thank you Ray Zinn for your contribution to the Entrepreneurship Institute and helping with the start of many businesses!

 

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