Last semester, students enrolled in Lyndon Institute’s Principles of Finance and Business course developed a business plan that was submitted for consideration in the twelfth annual Vermont Student Business Plan Competition. Sponsored by the Vermont Small Business Development Center (VtSBDC) and Vermont Rural Entrepreneurship through Action Learning (VT REAL), the competition, according to the VtSBDC website, is based on “an experiential learning curriculum that develops entrepreneurial knowledge and skills, and guides participants through the process of planning, creating and operating small businesses of their own design.”

Recent graduate Teagan Wheeler ‘20, with support from course instructor TJ Tanner, completed her business plan for “Tail Waggin Wheels” as a part of the semester-length course and submitted it to the statewide competition. Wheeler’s plan was scored on a 100 point rubric encompassing a detailed company description, a marketing plan, an operations management and organizational plan, and a financial plan. Wheeler was awarded an honorable mention for her efforts, for which she received a certificate and a financial award.

Mr. Tanner also awarded Wheeler “The Silver Award for Business and Economic Excellence,” which included one ounce of silver, a symbol of the importance of investing in her future. Mr. Tanner has sponsored The Silver Award annually since 2015.

Photo Caption: Teagan Wheeler ‘20 (left) was awarded Honorable Mention in the 2020 VT Business Plan Competition and the Silver Award for Business and Economic Excellence from her instructor TJ Tanner (right).