NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

IDEA Camp - Forest City
2025-06-27 08:30 - 15:00 UTC | John V. Hanson Career Center, 124 Nerem Drive South, Forest City, IA, 50436, United States
An exciting day camp opportunity for 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students
Dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship at our dynamic day camp designed for 6th-8th grade students! This hands-on program guides young innovators through the essential stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to crafting a solid business model. Whether students come with a business idea in mind or need help discovering one, our camp provides the tools and support needed to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.

Date: Friday June 27, 2025
Check-in: 8am – 8:30am
Time: 8:30am – 3:30pm
Cost: $49 (lunch included)
Location: John K Hanson Career Center

124 Nerem Drive South
Forest City, IA 50436

Questions? Please contact the Pappajohn Center at pappajohn@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4111. Or contact Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator, directly at raegan.hanson@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4234.
Register Now >

What Students Will Learn

Ideation and Discovery: Develop creative thinking skills and learn how to identify problems and opportunities that can lead to innovative business ideas.
Business Model Canvas: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the nine key building blocks of the Business Model Canvas, including value proposition, target market, and revenue streams.
Value Proposition: Discover how to define and deliver products or services that meet customer needs.
Target Market: Understand the importance of identifying and analyzing the ideal customer for a business idea.
Marketing Strategies: Learn how to create simple, effective marketing plans to promote a business idea.
The Role of Partnerships: Explore how key partners, resources, and activities can strengthen a business.
Financial Literacy: Create simple financial projections to estimate costs and revenue.

Activities & Deliverables:

Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions focused on real-world applications of entrepreneurship concepts.
Business Model Canvas: Each student will complete a Business Model Canvas for their business idea, outlining the critical elements of their proposed venture.
Executive Summary: Students will write a clear, concise overview of their business, showcasing their understanding of the entrepreneurship process.
Financial Projections: Simple, guided exercises to help students estimate startup costs, pricing, and potential revenue.
Pitch Presentation: The camp culminates in a presentation where students pitch their ideas to peers and instructors, gaining confidence and feedback.

Who Should Attend?
This camp is perfect for middle schoolers eager to explore entrepreneurship, develop creative problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their ability to create and innovate. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and enthusiasm!

IDEA Camp - Charles City
2025-07-02 08:30 - 15:00 | NIACC Career Center – Charles City, 203 Brantingham St, Charles City, IA, 50616, United States
An exciting day camp opportunity for 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students
Dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship at our dynamic day camp designed for 6th-8th grade students! This hands-on program guides young innovators through the essential stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to crafting a solid business model. Whether students come with a business idea in mind or need help discovering one, our camp provides the tools and support needed to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.

Date: Wednesday July 2, 2025
Check-in: 8am – 8:30am
Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Cost: $49 (lunch included)
Location: NIACC Career Center – Charles City

1203 Brantingham St
Charles City, IA 50616

Questions? Please contact the Pappajohn Center at pappajohn@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4111. Or contact Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator, directly at raegan.hanson@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4234.
Register Now >

What Students Will Learn

Ideation and Discovery: Develop creative thinking skills and learn how to identify problems and opportunities that can lead to innovative business ideas.
Business Model Canvas: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the nine key building blocks of the Business Model Canvas, including value proposition, target market, and revenue streams.
Value Proposition: Discover how to define and deliver products or services that meet customer needs.
Target Market: Understand the importance of identifying and analyzing the ideal customer for a business idea.
Marketing Strategies: Learn how to create simple, effective marketing plans to promote a business idea.
The Role of Partnerships: Explore how key partners, resources, and activities can strengthen a business.
Financial Literacy: Create simple financial projections to estimate costs and revenue.

Activities & Deliverables:

Interactive Workshops: Hands-on sessions focused on real-world applications of entrepreneurship concepts.
Business Model Canvas: Each student will complete a Business Model Canvas for their business idea, outlining the critical elements of their proposed venture.
Executive Summary: Students will write a clear, concise overview of their business, showcasing their understanding of the entrepreneurship process.
Financial Projections: Simple, guided exercises to help students estimate startup costs, pricing, and potential revenue.
Pitch Presentation: The camp culminates in a presentation where students pitch their ideas to peers and instructors, gaining confidence and feedback.

Who Should Attend?
This camp is perfect for middle schoolers eager to explore entrepreneurship, develop creative problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their ability to create and innovate. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and enthusiasm!

IDEA Camp - Charles City
2026-07-07 08:30 - 15:00 | NIACC Career Center – Charles City, 203 Brantingham St, Charles City, IA, 50616, United States
An exciting day camp opportunity for 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students
Dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship at our dynamic day camp designed for 6th-8th grade students! This hands-on program guides young innovators through the essential stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to crafting a solid business model. Whether students come with a business idea in mind or need help discovering one, our camp provides the tools and support needed to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.
IDEA Camp features interactive activities and hands-on learning in real-world skills, from financial literacy to marketing and design. The day will conclude with a Pitch Competition, where all students are invited to pitch their ideas to peers and instructors, gaining confidence and feedback.
Date: Tuesday July 7, 2026
Check-in: 8:30am
Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Cost: $25 – Lunch included
Location: NIACC Career Center – Charles City
1203 Brantingham St
Charles City, IA 50616
Questions? Please contact the Pappajohn Center at pappajohn@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4111. Or contact Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator, directly at raegan.hanson@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4234.
Register Now >

Who Should Attend?
This camp is perfect for middle schoolers eager to explore entrepreneurship, develop creative problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their ability to create and innovate. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and enthusiasm!
The Charles City IDEA Camp is generously sponsored by First Citizens Bank

IDEA Camp - Clear Lake
2026-07-09 08:30 - 15:00 | Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, 205 Main Avenue, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
An exciting day camp opportunity for 6th, 7th, & 8th grade students
Dive into the exciting world of entrepreneurship at our dynamic day camp designed for 6th-8th grade students! This hands-on program guides young innovators through the essential stages of business creation, from brainstorming ideas to crafting a solid business model. Whether students come with a business idea in mind or need help discovering one, our camp provides the tools and support needed to bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life.
IDEA Camp features interactive activities and hands-on learning in real-world skills, from financial literacy to marketing and design. The day will conclude with a Pitch Competition, where all students are invited to pitch their ideas to peers and instructors, gaining confidence and feedback.
Date: Thursday July 9, 2026
Check-in: 8:30am
Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm
Cost: $25 – Lunch included
Location: Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
205 Main Ave
Clear Lake, IA 50428
Questions? Please contact the Pappajohn Center at pappajohn@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4111. Or contact Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator, directly at raegan.hanson@niacc.edu or call 641-422-4234.
Register Now >

Who Should Attend?
This camp is perfect for middle schoolers eager to explore entrepreneurship, develop creative problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their ability to create and innovate. No prior experience is required—just curiosity and enthusiasm!
The Clear Lake IDEA Camp is generously sponsored by Bank Iowa
