University of Wisconsin-Madison Students Head to Competition for Startup SideShift

“UW-Madison Students Create ‘Dating App for Jobs’ to Help Small Businesses Hire College Students”

A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison students is making waves with their innovative startup, SideShift, a platform designed to help small businesses in Madison connect with college students seeking job opportunities. Founded by seniors Canyon Pergande and Nick Lawton, SideShift aims to streamline the hiring process for both employers and job seekers.

Recognizing the challenges faced by local businesses in finding and retaining college talent, Pergande and Lawton saw an opportunity to create a solution that would cater specifically to the needs of smaller companies. With the help of co-founder Drew Levin, a computer science and data science student, they developed a user-friendly website that allows employers to post jobs, review applications, and schedule interviews all in one place.

The platform, currently in beta testing with plans for a mobile app launch, offers a social hiring experience where students and employers can create profiles, browse opportunities, and connect with each other seamlessly. Employers pay a fee for each hire they make, while students have free access to the platform using their “.edu” email address.

SideShift has already attracted a couple hundred students and dozens of local businesses, with successful hires already being made. The team’s hard work and dedication have also earned them a spot in several entrepreneurship competitions, including the upcoming e-Fest in Minneapolis where they will compete for a chance to win $50,000 in prize money.

As they gear up for graduation and the next phase of their startup journey, Pergande and his co-founders are optimistic about the future of SideShift. Winning the competition would not only provide much-needed funds for marketing and expansion but also help support their transition into full-time entrepreneurship.

With SideShift’s innovative approach to job matchmaking and their passion for helping both students and businesses succeed, this team of UW-Madison students is definitely one to watch in the world of startups.