Vol Court Fall 2025

Vol Court Fall 2025

September 3 - 24, 2025
4 - 5:30 pm

Vol Court is a four-week workshop series held each fall and spring semester that guides participants in developing a business idea from the ground up. The program features three educational workshops and concludes with a 90-second pitch competition, where participants present their ideas to a panel of successful entrepreneurs for a chance to win a share of $3,000 in prizes. UT students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the local community are all welcome to attend the pitch competition.

Fall Workshops:

  • Session 1: How to Come Up with an Idea

Learn how to generate and evaluate new business ideas, led by Breanna Hale, executive director of the Anderson Center.

  • Session 2: How to Create a Plan for Your Idea

Explore how to build a clear, actionable plan to turn your idea into a viable business, led by Melissa Centers, startup coach and attorney.

  • Session 3: How to Present Your Idea

Gain insights into pitching your business effectively, led by Wesley Pitts (HCB, ’24), founder of KnoxBots.

  • Session 4: Pitch Day

Present a business idea in a live pitch competition for a chance to win part of $3,000 in prize money.

Learn more about the spring 2025 winners

Eligibility

Current UT students who attend at least two of the three workshops in person are eligible to pitch in week four. Past Vol Court winners cannot compete with the same business idea in a new Vol Cour cycle but are invited to pitch a different one.

Application

There is no application or cost to attend the workshop series, but registration is required for Pitch Day.

Key Dates

  • September 3 – Session 1: How to Come Up with an Idea, HBB 634
  • September 10 – Session 2: How to Create a Plan for Your Idea, HBB 634
  • September 17 – Session 3: How to Present Your Idea, LIB 213
  • September 24 – Session 4: Pitch Day, LIB 213

Sponsor

Vol Court is made possible by the generous support of the Scott and Dianna Roe Foundation.

Agenda

Wednesday, Sep. 03

4 - 5:30 pm

Session 1: How to Come Up with an Idea

HBB 634

Wednesday, Sep. 10

4 - 5:30 pm

Session 2: How to Create a Plan for Your Idea

HBB 634

Wednesday, Sep. 17

4 - 5:30 pm

Session 3: How to Present Your Idea

LIB 213

Wednesday, Sep. 24

4 - 6 pm

Session 4: Pitch Day

LIB 213