UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

JPEC CONNECT ✨

THANK YOU to everyone who attended our JPEC Connect event last night! Together, we enjoyed an evening of networking, delicious pizza, and even announced TWO scholarship winners.

Welcome to the JPEC Family!

Ten teams presented five-minute pitches at the Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition on August 22nd. Repaint Studios, LLC, a participant in the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) Venture School, won first place and $40,000 at the Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition in Ames, Iowa. Congratulations to all!

OEI 2024 is one for the books!

Last week, August 11-16th, a select group of UNI JPEC students attended a 5-day stay at the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute! While there, they stayed with host families and participated in events, workshops, and classes all related to entrepreneurship. Not to mention, they got to have some fun on the water too!

Congratulations to our very own, Nathan Crooker, for being a scholarship winner, AND a special THANK YOU to , sponsors, community members, faculty, and students for such a fun time!

Patrick and Haley had a fantastic Wednesday afternoon with the Try Pie team, leading their August workshop!🎉

Together, they explored the Business Model Canvas and learned the importance of understanding a business's value proposition. Following the lesson, we combined the everyday object activity with the Business Model Canvas to brainstorm and create new innovative products!

Meet your 2024 Early Founders! ✨

The Early Founder's Program consists of four student entrepreneurs who spend the months of June and July taking a deep dive into the foundations and growth of their venture. When school begins, they will present their growth at Demo Day! 🗓️

An Alumni Testimony.. 💜✨

Empowering the leaders of tomorrow! The UNI JPEC is here to fuel your business ventures.

Proud of our director for making an impact!

JPEC connection leads to new sim racing business venture About a year ago, Zach Everman (Electronic Media ‘09) bought an entry-level gaming wheel to play Xbox racing games with his son. That quickly turned into building a full-fledged rig and computer under the stairs in his basement. About three months later, after meeting racers online from around the...

Exciting news on College Hill! Maddie, owner of Moo’s Bakery, is setting up her first physical storefront to meet the growing demand for her 100% plant-based goodies. 🌱🍪

We couldn't be prouder of Maddie as she continues to pursue her business dreams.

Moo’s Bakery, known for its delicious chocolate chip cookies and other tasty creations, will officially open in late summer, just in time for the Fall 2025 semester. Follow and support her on social media to stay updated!

Read more 👉

Moo’s Bakery to open physical store Sharky’s neighbor, Milkbox Bakery, has sat empty since 2022. That is, until an expanding entrepreneur and UNI alumnus recently began to lease the space. Maddie Palmersheim, owner and operator of Moo’s Bakery, has been on the hunt for a physical storefront since the demand for her 100% plant base...

Reflecting on the past year at the JPEC fills us with complete JOY! ✨

From the excitement of JPEC24 to the spirited Homecoming Parade, engaging Pitch Competitions, lively Family Feud/Family Food event, and getting to recognize our students through awards, scholarships, and honors, it's been an incredible journey! As we eagerly await your return, we look forward to creating more unforgettable memories together! Here's to a fantastic summer ahead!

We couldn’t be happier for Reyna & Fatima, who were awarded during last week's Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa's Leadership Celebration!

🔗 https://insideuni.uni.edu/business/wilson-college-business-leadership-celebration-honors-outstanding-students

We’re so proud of you, Davan! Your hard work and dedication continue to inspire us.

University of Northern Iowa students among winners in the 24th annual John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition DES MOINES, Iowa - Davan Crooker [‘25, Finance] of the University of Northern Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (UNI JPEC) emerged as one of three first-place winners at the 2024 John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, held on April 22, at the University of Iowa Pa...

Today we gain some insight from our student entrepreneur !

Remember to try and find the brighter side in things, especially as we work through finals week!✨⭐️🙌

Today’s study tip features Destiny Dixon, student entrepreneur and founder of CharmCharmz of Destiny Ari'e! Day 2 of has just begun! According to Destiny, don’t forget to stay on top of your studies.

Happy Finals Week! The JPEC wishes you all the best as you finish your last week of the semester. In light of this week, we're sending you some helpful study tips from our student entrepreneurs!

Today we are highlighting Haley Hamm! 👏🏼

We love having Maddie around our space! We couldn't be prouder of her growth.

Exciting news from the Wilson College of Business! Join us in congratulating two outstanding students who will be awarded tonight during the Wilson College of Business Leadership Celebration!

🏆 Reyna Jorgenson of RecreatedbyRey: MAC Impact Student Business of the Year
🏆Fatima Rodriguez of Saffron&Ivy | Fatima's Lounge: Wilson College of Business Student Entrepreneur of the Year

Join us in celebrating their achievements and wishing them continued success in their bright futures!

Join us in honoring the spirit of entrepreneurship during Small Business Week! 🙌

We're shining a spotlight on startups worldwide, with a special nod to those flourishing within the JPEC community. These small business owners embody resilience, passion, and relentless drive. We're thrilled to stand by them every step of the way, supporting their aspirations day in and day out. No dream is too grand to achieve, and at JPEC, we're dedicated to making it a reality.✨

Remembering John Pappajohn: a visionary, a leader, a champion of entrepreneurship. One year has passed, but his inspiration lives on. Let's honor his legacy by embracing his spirit of innovation and generosity. Thank you, John, for paving the way for student entrepreneurs. Learn more about John and his contribution to universities across Iowa:

https://jpec.uni.edu/about-us/memorial-john-pappajohn
Wilson College of Business at the University of Northern Iowa

We've had an amazing time with the 6th graders from Cedar Falls during UNI Career Connections this week! It's truly inspiring to empower young minds with lessons on entrepreneurship and the importance of pursuing their passions! 🚀

Catch us still reminiscing on last week’s event! 💭✨ The Student Entrepreneurial Social was a great success. We enjoyed partnering with students from the Special Event Management class and bringing awareness to numerous student businesses on campus!

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From pitch to prize: a road trip to Des Moines paid off!✨ Such a fun-filled day at the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. Congratulations to The Brain Freezer (Nathan Crooker) and B-Engraved (Bronson Buitenwerf) on receiving a $500 prize, and to one of the grand prize recipients, DC Outdoor Services (Davan Crooker), on receiving $5,000. We are so proud of you!

THANK YOU to all who made a contribution to the JPEC during the 2024 UNI Day of Giving!

It's time to give back! Join us in celebrating the Annual Day of Giving at UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center. Our center depends upon donor financial support, and your gifts play a crucial role in empowering future entrepreneurs with the skills and resources they need to succeed. Your gift will go towards the UNI Student Incubator Endowed Fund in honor of Laurie W***e, providing scholarships and financial resources for the next generation of business owners. Let's make a difference together!
👉 Learn more or make your gift at https://www.givecampus.com/c8an8w

Get ready to show your Panther pride because is just around the corner on Thursday, April 11! Don't miss your chance to support the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center in empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs!
👉 Can't make it on the big day? Make your gift early at https://www.givecampus.com/c8an8w