Haslam College of Business - UT Student Entrepreneurs Encouraged to Pitch for $3,000 Roe Prize at Vol Court

In September, student entrepreneurs from across the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, will hone their business ideas with Vol Court, an experiential learning program and pitch competition offering participants a chance to win a share of the $3,000 Roe Prize.

Vol Court, hosted by the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, helps students develop a clear, confident elevator pitch through on-demand learning modules and a series of interactive events. The program provides participants a structured, low-stakes setting to test and refine their ideas before presenting to a panel of judges.

Past Vol Court participants have expressed how valuable the experience is to the development of their business ideas, including fall 2025 winner Ben Naugle, a senior management major from Knoxville and the founder of First Glance Knox, a residential and commercial window cleaning and soft-washing business.

“Winning Vol Court was an absolute honor that validated my vision and all of the hard work behind First Glance Knox,” said Naugle. “This award provided momentum to keep building this company to its full potential, as well as lasting value to our clients and community.”

Michael Faragalli (UT, ’26), another recent Vol Court winner, reiterated the excitement of winning and building a business idea he’s proud of. “Winning is amazing, but this was about something bigger,” Faragalli said. “I genuinely believe in the vision for [my business].”

The Vol Court series begins with a sign-up and feedback session from on September 2. Students who attend this session will receive priority placement on pitch night, as spots are limited.

On September 9, students will reverse roles during Smokey’s Den Reverse Pitches, where local business leaders will present real-world ideas, and students will serve as judges by evaluating the concepts and offering feedback.

The program concludes with Vol Court Pitch Night on September 16. Student entrepreneurs will pitch their concepts to a panel of judges and compete for a share of the $3,000 Roe Prize.

According to Shawn White, the Anderson Center’s director, Vol Court reflects the center’s mission to grow the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem through hands-on learning experiences.

“Vol Court gives students an opportunity to build confidence, practice communicating the value of their ideas and learn from both peers and experienced business leaders,” said White. “It is a practical way for students to take the first steps in their entrepreneurial journeys.”

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

Event Schedule

• Sign-Up and Feedback Session | Wednesday, September 2, 2026; 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Student Union Room 262A
• Smokey’s Den Reverse Pitches | Wednesday, September 9, 2026; 4-6 p.m.; Haslam Business Building Room 501
• Vol Court Pitch Night | Wednesday, September 16, 2026; 4-6 p.m.; Student Union Room 377A

About the Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The Anderson Center, housed in UT’s Haslam College of Business, is the front door to entrepreneurship at UT. It connects Volunteers with the expertise, resources and collaborators at UT and across the regional ecosystem to advance ideas, tackle bold challenges and turn entrepreneurial ambition into results. At the Anderson Center, Volunteers are empowered to identify opportunities and take bold action to create value through new ventures.

For more information and upcoming events, visit the Anderson Center events page.

Media Contact

Allison Kelly, Anderson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation director of marketing, [email protected]