Community Education

Through community-based programs, training, and support, people at many stages can build skills, explore ideas, and move forward with greater confidence.

Learning That Supports Growth

The Pappajohn Center not only provides one-on-one entrepreneurial counseling, but also facilitates a range of programs designed to help North Iowa entrepreneurs grow and scale. Whether you’re a startup, an existing small business or nonprofit, or an innovator within an existing organization, we provide access to counselors, programming, and mentors who can help you achieve your goals.

Explore Our Community Programming

  • Business Essentials

    Learn practical startup strategies, avoid common pitfalls, and build a stronger foundation for your business.

  • Venture School

    An eight-week program that helps participants develop business models, test ideas through customer discovery, and prepare for pitch opportunities.

    A woman standing on a stage and pitching her business idea

  • Venture Launch Lab

    The Venture Launch Lab program provides focused entrepreneurial training and practical business development skills.

    Four people smiling at the camera, holding large checks that they won from the VLL pitch competition