UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

11/04/2026

We’re one month away from the UNI Student Small Business Holiday Market, and here’s everything you need to know!

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 9, and get ready to support UNI student entrepreneurs, shop student-owned businesses and find the perfect Christmas gifts all in one place!

We can’t wait to see you there! 💫

10/27/2026

Over the past week, we’ve had the opportunity to surprise a few of our student entrepreneurs with scholarships recognizing the hard work, dedication and passion they’re putting into their businesses. 💫

Please join us in congratulating this year’s scholarship recipients:

JPEC Student Success Scholarship in honor of Laurie Watje: Jadyn Welch, Josiah Welch, Bronson Buitenwerf

Grinnell State Bank Student Entrepreneur Scholarship: Conner Trunnell

Chad & Laura Chandlee Family Incubator Scholarship: Kadin Walter

10/22/2026

A legacy started by John Pappajohn and carried forward by the people who make this center what it is today.

Celebrate 30 years of entrepreneurship at UNI with us!

🎥 Watch our anniversary video: https://youtu.be/SJ6WJd8Mb8w?si=4XpGv363cpvZd0eN

10/15/2026

HOLIDAY MARKET VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN!

Are you a UNI student entrepreneur or part of a student organization that sells products? We want YOU at the UNI Student Small Business Holiday Market 🎄

✨ No cost to participate
✨ Keep 100% of your sales
✨ Connect with new customers and showcase your products

It’s the perfect opportunity to grow your business, share what you’ve been creating and spread some holiday cheer! Apply today using the link or scan the QR code.

https://forms.gle/BvydMKr7qqAQhgRE8

10/01/2026

Save the date! The UNI Student Small Business Holiday Market is coming BACK to Gallagher on Wednesday, December 9th from 1-5 p.m.

Shop among a variety of talented student vendors offering unique, handcrafted, gift-worthy items, making it easy to check off your holiday shopping list. In addition to shopping, enjoy festive treats, live music, and more!

Are you a UNI student business owner or a club on campus that sells a product? Vendor applications are now open! Send us a message for more information.

This event is hosted in collaboration with the Northern Iowa Student Government + John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center!

09/30/2026

Last night, we celebrated 30 years of the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers!

Students, alumni, friends and supporters from Pappajohn Centers across Iowa came together to celebrate three decades of entrepreneurship, the people behind it and the impact these centers have had across Iowa.

We’re grateful for everyone who has been part of our JPEC story over the last 30 years and look forward to continuing the mission and legacy of John and Mary Pappajohn for years to come. 💜

09/29/2026

A little glimpse into the personalities behind our JPEC team!

Who do you relate to the most? Let us know in the comments! 👇🏼

09/28/2026

Many laughs were had at last night’s Family Feud & Family Food event!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a fun night of friendly competition, good food and great company to wrap up UNI’s Family Weekend.

Together, we make the JPEC Family!

09/22/2026

“Eric understands that the greatest impact of an investment in entrepreneurship is measured not simply in the businesses that are created, but in the students who gain the confidence, skills and support to pursue their ideas,” said Patrick Luensmann, director of the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.

Eric Schaefer’s career is a powerful example of innovation, leadership and purpose-driven success. A 1991 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in finance and international business, Schaefer has gone on to become a trailblazer in the healthcare and payments technology space. A...

09/17/2026

On Tuesday, our JPEC staff led CAPS students through a day of leadership-building activities! Students focused on improving their communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.

The CAPS (Center for Advanced Professional Studies) program gives high school students hands-on opportunities to explore career interests and build skills they’ll use beyond the classroom.