UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

06/24/2026

Attention all incoming freshmen and transfer students! Mark your calendar for JPEC Connect on August 26th from 4–6 p.m. We can't wait to see you there!

https://jpec.uni.edu/programs/jpec-connect

06/22/2026

Wondering what Kadin's been working on this summer?

Here's what's been keeping him busy at Work 'N' Walter Farms.. 👀
• Launching three new snack stick flavors: Jalapeño Pepper Jack, Cheddar, and The Billie
• Marketing 180 pigs each week
• Expanding into new retail locations, including The Armstrong Market

We're proud to see our student entrepreneurs continue to grow their businesses and make an impact beyond campus.

Try a new flavor for yourself: https://worknwalterfarm.com/

06/17/2026

Community is everything when it comes to building a business. Josiah said it best..

06/16/2026

An excellent (and free) opportunity to invest in your business!

Iowa SBDC & InnoVenture Iowa presents the Growth Spurt Panel. This is a three-part summer series covering launching your business, financing for growth, and succession planning. Register by using the link below and join us for one, two, or hopefully all three panels! We are so excited to see you there! If you have any questions, please call us at (515) 294-2030

Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Location: 1805 Collaboration Place, Room 1200, Ames, Iowa 50010

Note: Parking is open to anyone and is free around the building!

Register Here: https://forms.gle/KGCFgZnjZfNRMU86A

06/15/2026

These six JPEC students are headed to the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute later this summer for a week-long experience designed to help them grow as entrepreneurs and business owners. We can’t wait to see all they learn and accomplish!

Any advice for them before they go? Drop it in the comments below! ⬇️

06/01/2026

Sorry, the interns took over the Facebook again..

05/29/2026

Tune into the beginning of this week’s Cedar Valley Podcast to hear from student entrepreneur Alayna Akers, as she shares insights into her two business ventures. 🎙️✨

In this episode of the Cedar Valley Podcast, Katy Susong sits down with Kim Bear of Community Main Street and Audrey Kittrell of Eagle View for a conversation about the partnerships, events, businesses, and people helping downtown Cedar Falls thrive. From patio season and Live to Nine to supporting small businesses and creating spaces where people want to gather, this episode gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep downtown moving.

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nGS0Q8unscbfT82rMuVm7

The episode begins with a conversation with Alayna Akers, a freshman at UNI and young entrepreneur launching two businesses while attending school full-time. Alayna asks Kim and Audrey an important question, leading to a great conversation about resources, support, and growing a business in the Cedar Valley.

05/22/2026

Another school year, another set of memories to look back on!

05/19/2026

POV: It’s summer, and all of the students are gone..

It's been two days. We miss you already. Please come back.

05/15/2026

A new episode of Student Startups dropped today, featuring Lane and his experiences at the University of Northern Iowa and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

As he prepares to graduate, Lane reflects on his college journey, the opportunities that shaped him, and what’s next. Listen now: https://open.spotify.com/episode/51QpNJARzKAAXnGz4Bma0W?si=P0EUTrriTducmCdSTtY2iQ