The NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is excited to announce the date for the fifth biannual Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Gala on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This special evening will recognize and celebrate the hard work, determination, and accomplishments of North Iowa entrepreneurs who are helping to shape the future of our region.
We are pleased to share that Dean Snyder Construction of Clear Lake will be honored with the NIACC Pappajohn Legacy Award for their vital contributions and unwavering support to North Iowa.
Six additional recognitions will be awarded at the Gala. We are proud to announce the finalists for the 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala:
Distinguished Entrepreneur Award
- Alisha Johnson, Johnson Trucking – Northwood, IA
- Jeff & Lori Otto, Otto’s Oasis – Charles City, IA
- Dean & Marcia Sonquist, Plas-Tech Tooling, Inc. – Garner, IA
Young Entrepreneur Award
- Megumi Abbott, Churasan – Charles City, IA
- Holly Neuberger, Lake Animal Clinic – Clear Lake, IA
- Lance Studer, Lance Studer Custom Automotive – Hampton, IA
Student Entrepreneur Award
- Kylie Johnson, Kylie’s Lemonade – Osage, IA
- Jordan Klooster, Klooster Flaps – Garner, IA
Outstanding Business Award
- Huber Supply Co. – Mason City, IA
- IMT Transport – Garner, IA
- Mike Molstead Motors, Inc. – Charles City, IA
Innovation Award
- Beach Buddies & Sensory Cove, Bridget Herrick & Sherri Stensrude – Mason City, IA
- Lake Pin & Play, Nick & Debbie Plagge and Tyler & Debbie Kerr – Clear Lake, IA
- L&J Industries, Chris Garden – Charles City, IA
Additionally, a special entrepreneurship award will be announced at the Gala: The 2026 Entrepreneur of Purpose. This award will be presented to Matt Curtis of Wayne’s Ski & Cycle in Mason City, IA. This award honors an entrepreneur whose work is driven by a strong sense of mission and a commitment to making a positive impact on their community. This award recognizes individuals who exemplifies leadership, vision, and a dedication to mentoring other entrepreneurs and serving their community.
The NIACC Pappajohn Center is a non-profit organization that fully relies on grants, public funding, and sponsorships to continue serving entrepreneurs across the nine counties in our region. Most of our services, programs, and workshops are offered at no cost to entrepreneurs, with very few exceptions.
The Gala is more than a celebration; it is a crucial fundraising event that helps sustain our mission of enriching lives in North Iowa as we endeavor to:
- Empower Entrepreneurs Through Education – Equipping individuals with the skills and knowledge to succeed in their entrepreneurial journeys.
- Drive Business Growth and Resilience – Providing tailored guidance and resources to help businesses launch, grow, and adapt in an ever-changing global environment.
- Foster Collaborative Partnerships – Working with stakeholders to leverage resources, inspire innovation, and amplify impact.
The Pappajohn Center is fully integrated with the North Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), providing North Iowa entrepreneurs expanded access to resources and expertise. Together, in 2025 we counseled 407 unique entrepreneurs, supported 33 new business starts, helped create 169 jobs, saw $32,950 awarded in seed money to North Iowa business owners, and assisted in securing $11,899,086 million in capital infusion. 2026 is on track for even greater heights!
Ticket sales will close on September 10, 2026. Please contact the Pappajohn Center with any questions at pappajohn@niacc.edu or 641-422-4111.
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