A group of University of Vermont students in Burlington have been recognized for creating a local start-up company. In 2022, Zach Dunn founded Painting with Purpose with the support of UVM’s Catamount Innovation Fund. The goal of the company was to help the community by addressing the shortage of trades in the area.
Dunn noted that starting a business can be challenging, especially when navigating factors like pricing in a changing economic environment. He emphasized starting small, keeping things simple, and leveraging personal connections for assistance. Painting with Purpose offers a range of services including residential and commercial painting, lead abatement, lead inspections, power washing, and minor carpentry. A portion of their profits is donated to Tim’s House, a shelter in St. Albans.
According to UVM business professor Erik Monsen, programs like this are vital for Vermont’s workforce development. He highlighted the importance of teaching students not only technical skills but also the confidence needed to pursue entrepreneurship. Dunn and his team expressed their gratitude for the recognition, describing the experience as surreal and motivating them to continue their work as they strive to make a positive impact in the community.
In March 2024, three undergraduate teams presented their ideas to a panel of judges at UVM’s Grossman School of Business competition called Joy and Jerry Meyers Cup. Dunn’s team won first place and was awarded $215,500 in prize money.
Dunn said that starting Painting with Purpose was challenging but rewarding because it allowed him to use his skills and passions while making a positive impact on his community. He thanked his mentors at UVM who provided him with guidance and support throughout his journey.
The success of Painting with Purpose has inspired other students at UVM to pursue entrepreneurship opportunities in their field or industry. According to Dunn, entrepreneurship is an essential skill that every student should learn because it allows them to create something new and solve problems creatively.
Monsen agreed with Dunn that entrepreneurship is an important aspect of modern society because it encourages innovation and creativity while promoting economic growth and job creation.
As they move forward into the future, Dunn plans to continue growing Painting with Purpose by expanding their services beyond what they currently offer and seeking out new partnerships within their community.