NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

TechTalk
2022-10-25 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
TechTalk tackles marketing! Join us at Mason City Brewing for an in-depth look at digital marketing and how you can leverage new technologies to reach your audience. Get new insights, whether you’re an established business, a solopreneur, or a startup.
Sponsored by Nelson Media Company.
As always, your first beer is on us!

Register for TechTalk

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TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

2022 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
2022-10-11 08:00 - 17:00 | IA
The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will take place on Tuesday, October 11, 2022. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala celebrates the entrepreneurs and partners who make our communities a great place to work and live. The Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala will share our story, recognize the region’s entrepreneurs, and honor the vital contributions and support of the Sukup family to North Iowa with the NIACC Pappajohn Legacy Award.
Five additional recognitions will be awarded at the gala:

Entrepreneur of the Year Award – The Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the success, dedication, and contributions to the community by a North Iowa entrepreneur.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award – The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes the accomplishments of a North Iowa entrepreneur under the age of 40.
Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award – This award recognizes a student entrepreneur who exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit through the achievement of business ownership. Must be a North Iowa student enrolled in High School or College taking college credit classes to be eligible.
Business of the Year Award – The Business of the Year Award recognizes a North Iowa company for overall achievement in innovation, vision, growth, and skill.
Innovation Award – The Innovation Award honors North Iowa businesses who are industry leaders in developing and implementing emergent technology.

Nominations can be made by contacting the Pappajohn Center directly for an application, or on the Pappajohn Center website at www.pappajohncenter.com/gala.
Nominations are due August 22, 2022.
Sponsorships are available for the Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala. Please contact Candi Karsjens at candi.karsjens@niacc.edu or 641-422-4191.
Ticket information coming soon.

TechTalk
2022-09-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Lake Time Brewery, 801 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
TechTalk returns to Clear Lake for one last time in 2022. Join us at Lake Time Brewery for networking, new ideas, and great locally-brewed beverages. Sponsored by CL Tel.
As always, your first beer is on us!
Register for TechTalk
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TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

DeltaV Code 101
2022-09-24 09:00 - 16:00 | IA
Thinking about a new career in software development? Start here! In this free one-day workshop, you’ll get a taste of a day in the life of a software developer.
Code 101 is about learning what it looks like to be a software developer through a day-long immersive course for beginners that focuses on front-end web development technologies.
Get a taste of the DeltaV learning experience, find out how websites are built, and code a webpage yourself using professional coding practices.
This course is a great way for aspiring tech entrepreneurs to get started. Space is limited – register today!
Register at EventBrite
Location: NIACC, McAllister Hall, Room 110E

Venture School Application Deadline
2022-09-15 | IA
Applications for the Fall 2022 Venture School program are due September 15.
To apply, visit http://www.venture-school.com and select the Mason City cohort in the drop-down menu.
The University of Iowa Venture School is the premier statewide program for entrepreneurs and is built from a streamlined curriculum developed by the National Science Foundation I-Corps at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. Venture School emphasizes real-world entrepreneurship and innovation based on a leading-edge curriculum. Participants will encounter the chaos and uncertainty of creating new ventures based on customer discovery.
Fall 2022 Venture School program will be held as a hybrid class. An in-person orientation will be held Thursday, September 29 to explain the course expectations and to meet the Coaches. Following classes will be held via Zoom October 6 – November 10. The Launch Day Pitch Competition will be held in-person on the NIACC campus on Thursday November 17.
Contact Candi Karsjens at candi.karsjens@niacc.edu with questions or if you are a local entrepreneur interested in becoming a Venture School coach.

DeltaV Code 101
2022-08-27 09:00 - 16:00 | IA
Thinking about a new career in software development? Start here! In this free one-day workshop, you’ll get a taste of a day in the life of a software developer.
Code 101 is about learning what it looks like to be a software developer through a day-long immersive course for beginners that focuses on front-end web development technologies.
Get a taste of the DeltaV learning experience, find out how websites are built, and code a webpage yourself using professional coding practices.
This course is a great way for aspiring tech entrepreneurs to get started. Space is limited – register today!

Location: NIACC, McAllister Hall, Room 110E

TechTalk
2022-08-23 17:00 - 19:00 | IA
Join us as we take TechTalk on the road – this month we’re at Rustic Brew in Hampton for an in-depth look at cybersecurity. Whether you’re a business or individual, cyber threats are a modern problem you need to know how to handle. Get the top ten tips from a cybersecurity expert at this month’s TechTalk.
Sponsored by First Bank Hampton
Learn and connect while enjoying a locally brewed beverage — as always, your first beer is on us!
RSVP for TechTalk

TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Pappajohn Venture Competition Awards Luncheon
2022-08-12 12:00 - 13:00 | IA
Final round pitches will take place August 12, 2022 in Ames. The top three winners of the Pappajohn Venture Competition will be announced immediately following at the Awards Luncheon. This year, three North Iowa companies made it to the final pitch round: Continuum Ag, Easy2Show, and ReEnvision Ag.
Prizes:

ONE (1) $40,000 First Place Prize

ONE (1) $25,000 Second Prize

ONE (1) $15,000 Third Prize

Additional Prizes totaling $20,000

About the Pappajohn Venture Competition
The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition contest is intended to encourage and promote entrepreneurial activity and create greater awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs in Iowa. We encourage innovative, new ventures to participate. Judges selected by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers will review all submissions. Participants will be judged on the basis of their written submissions and, for participants who advance to later rounds, presentations to the judges. Judges will rank participants and, subject to certain limitations, the top three will be awarded. Prospective participants must read and comply with the rules of the competition set forth below to enter and participate in the John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is void where prohibited by law.
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The 2022 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is co-hosted by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers and the Iowa Economic Development Authority.
2022 Semi-Finalists:

Bottlesodes TV
ChopLocal
Continuum Ag
DenScore Inc.
Distilled Ingredients
Easy2Show
Farm Story Meats
Farmers Risk
Hexcrete Renewables
The Hummingbirds
Juggernaut Life Sciences, LLC
Janas Materials Inc.
Methylomic Solutions
Nistron LLC
ReEnvision Ag Inc.
S5G Therapeutics, Inc.
Vinyl Chromatic

TechTalk
2022-07-19 17:00 - 19:00 | Lake Time Brewery, 801 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
Join us at Lake Time Brewery as we return to Clear Lake for the summer series of TechTalk! This month, we’ll hear from a panel of the upcoming generation of technologists, engineers, ideators, and innovators. Enjoy an evening of making connections and exploring the opportunities in North Iowa.
Every attendee can receive their first beer on us – and we’ve invited a food truck too. Non-alcoholic beverage options will be available, as well.

Register for TechTalk
TechTalk July is sponsored by Stellar Industries, Inc., of Garner, IA.
TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

TechTalk
2022-06-28 17:00 - 19:00 | IA
Join us as TechTalk hits the road for June! We’ll be at The Paddler’s Tap in Forest City for a change of scenery, networking with North Iowa professionals, new ideas, and new connections.
Sponsored by: Forest City Economic Development
As always, your first drink is free!
TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.

TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

2022 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy Pitch Competition
2022-06-21 17:30 - 21:00 | Muse Norris Conferance Center, 500 College Dr., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
The Summer 2022 YEA students will compete in a pitch competition Tuesday, June 21st. Each Student will present their pitch to a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A. The event will be held in-person at Muse Norris Conference Center at NIACC.
Youth Entrepreneurial Academy, aka YEA, is a fun opportunity to learn about starting your own business and begin creating wealth for yourself doing something you are passionate about. Learn the ins and outs of starting a business and becoming your own boss. Students will transform ideas and passions into a viable business plan. Every participant will receive a $500 NIACC scholarship and have an opportunity to compete for seed money to launch their business this summer. At the end of YEA students have the opportunity to compete in a pitch competition and win seed money for their venture.
Click here to learn more about the Youth Entrepreneurial Academy.

2022 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy
2022-06-13 - 2022-06-17 | IA
The 2022 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy will be held June 13-17, 21. The Youth Entrepreneurial Academy consists of several components, including an evening orientation and a five-day academy in which you focus on the development of skills, knowledge, and attitudes of entrepreneurship.
YEA is a fun opportunity to learn about starting your own business and begin creating wealth for yourself doing something you are passionate about. Learn the ins and outs of starting a business and becoming your own boss. Students will transform ideas and passions into a viable business plan. Every participant will receive a $500 NIACC scholarship and have an opportunity to compete for seed money to launch their business this summer.
Applications are also available from your high school advisors, business teachers or the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center: 2022 YEA application.
Applications are due May 16, 2022 for priority deadline, or until program is full.
Learn More & Apply to YEA

TechTalk
2022-05-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Join us at Mason City Brewing for TechTalk, sponsored by Router12 Networks! TechTalk is a great opportunity to network with North Iowa professionals, discover new ideas, and make new connections. As always, your first drink is free!
Registration is appreciated but not required.
Register
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TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Pappajohn Venture Competition Applications Due
2022-05-16 23:00 | IA
The 2022 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. Applications are due May 16th by midnight.
The seventeenth annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures. The $100,000 in seed funding includes a $50,000 contribution from John and Mary Pappajohn, matched by $50,000 from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The goal of this competition is to support Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by assisting entrepreneurs.
For more details, visit www.pappajohncompetition.com
The deadline for first round submissions is May 16, second round submissions for select applicants is July 18, with final awards announced on September 15, 2022.

Student Venture Competition Finals
2022-04-28 08:00 - 13:00 | IA
Sponsored by John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, Inc., the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is intended for Iowa university and college students with an interest in starting their own business. Plans are judged based on a) Content of Plan and b) Viability of business idea. Three (3) seed grants in the amount of $5,000 are awarded to the top three business plans submitted in the competition. In addition, all finalists receive $500 if not chosen for the top awards.
Finalists will give a pitch (including pitch deck) to John Pappajohn and his senior advisors at Equity Dynamics in Des Moines, Iowa. Three top awards ($5,000 each) will be presented following a luncheon event. $5,000 winners are not eligible for the $500 regional award – only one award per team.

Student Venture Competition Application Deadline
2022-04-01 | IA
Sponsored by John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, Inc., the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is intended for Iowa university and college students with an interest in starting their own business. Plans are judged based on a) Content of Plan and b) Viability of business idea. Three (3) seed grants in the amount of $5,000 are awarded to the top three business plans submitted in the competition. In addition, all finalists receive $500 if not chosen for the top awards.
Click Here For More Details

Venture School Launch Day Competition
2022-03-24 17:30 - 21:00 | NIACC Activity Center, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
The Spring 2022 cohort of the North Iowa Venture School will compete in the Venture School Launch Day Competition Thursday, March 24th. Each team will present their pitch to a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A. Up to $5,000 in prizes will be awarded. The event will be held via Zoom and in-person at the Activity Center at NIACC with social distancing and masks required.
12 teams are participating in the North Iowa Venture School this fall. Venture School is a premier statewide program for entrepreneurial training and is built on curriculum developed by the National Science Foundation I-Corps. The Venture School teams will also be eligible to compete for cash awards at the state level at the 2022 EntreFEST Venture School Launch Day Competition. Last year’s North Iowa graduates were awarded $13,000 in prize money during the 2020 EntreFEST pitch competition. Learn more about how Venture School accelerates the startup process.

TechTalk
2022-03-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States

TechTalk: Digital Marketing
2022-02-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
The Future of Business is Personal: Developing a customer-centric marketing strategy to drive growth
Join us for the first TechTalk of 2022, sponsored by Amplified Digital with the Globe Gazette. This month, TechTalk takes a deep dive into latest in digital marketing with Lillie Huhndorf of Amplified Digital. Learn about new marketing strategies that could benefit your business, make new connections, and enjoy a locally-brewed beverage on us.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
• An understanding of the power of personalization and how to develop a customer-centric marketing strategy to drive real growth for your business
• Tons of great tips and techniques on how to create an effective marketing strategy
• The ability to evaluate and utilize your company’s data to make smarter, more effective business decisions
As always – your first drink is on us!
Registration is appreciated but not required.
Register for TechTalk
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TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Start Smart Webinar
2021-12-15 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-12-01 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-17 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-11-03 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-10-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2021-10-13 18:00 - 20:00, 2021-09-29 18:00 - 20:00 | IA
Registration is required.
The NIACC Pappajohn Center and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is offering a free two-hour online webinar, designed for anyone who is considering starting a business. At Start Smart, participants will learn how to create a business plan, do market research, discuss different types of business ownership, and learn how to register a business.
The activities involved in starting a business fall under two broad categories—feasibility (the business plan) and administrative tasks. While we like to focus on the feasibility issue, Start Smart provides information and the chance to ask questions on numerous other topics, including:

Business registration
Doing customer research
How bankers evaluate business concepts and loans
Start-up costs
Business plan tips
And more

Register for Start Smart

After attending Start Smart, you can make an appointment to meet individually with the Small Business Development Center Counselors to assist you in reviewing your business plan, or to provide guidance with other issues.

Venture School Launch Day Competition
2021-11-11 17:30 - 21:00 | IA
The Fall 2021 cohort of the North Iowa Venture School will compete in the Venture School Launch Day Competition Thursday, November 11th. Each team will present their pitch to a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A. Up to $5,000 in prizes will be awarded. The event will be held via Zoom and in-person at the Muse-Norris Conference Center at NIACC with social distancing and masks required.
12 teams are participating in the North Iowa Venture School this fall. Venture School is a premier statewide program for entrepreneurial training and is built on curriculum developed by the National Science Foundation I-Corps. The Venture School teams will also be eligible to compete for cash awards at the state level at the 2022 EntreFEST Venture School Launch Day Competition. Last year’s North Iowa graduates were awarded $13,000 in prize money during the 2020 EntreFEST pitch competition. Learn more about how Venture School accelerates the startup process.

Global Entrepreneurship Week
This event is part of the NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC’s Global Entrepreneurship Week. Learn more about the 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Week in North Iowa.

NIACC Marketplace
2021-11-10 10:00 - 14:00 | IA
The 2021 NIACC Marketplace takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week and celebrates the creativity, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial spirit of NIACC’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Visit the NIACC Marketplace for the opportunity to purchase unique art, inventions, baked goods, and handicraft from local creators.

When: Wednesday, November 10, 2021
Time: 10am-2pm
Where: NIACC Activity Center
Apply Now
Come and support your local entrepreneurs! All purchases are tax free.
For More Information: Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at pappajohn@niacc.edu
Details for Exhibitors:
Exhibitors will not be responsible for the collection of revenues for sold merchandise or sales tax for this event. NIACC Pappajohn SBDC staff will receive payment for all merchandise and NIACC will send the exhibitor a check for the total merchandise sold. All income should be considered taxable, and it is the exhibitor’s responsibility to report this income and to pay all associated federal and state income taxes.
NIACC is not responsible for lost, stolen, and or damaged goods. All vendors will have one table to display their products and should be set up by 9:30 AM in the NIACC Activity Center. Table linens and NIACC plastic bags will be provided. Exhibitors are responsible for staffing their booth and the security of their merchandise.

TechTalk
2021-11-09 17:00 - 19:00 | IA
Meet some of the innovators who are creating new products and new concepts in North Iowa. This special edition of TechTalk takes place during Global Entrepreneurship Week and features a panel discussion with community innovator-entrepreneurs Billie Asmus, Founder of Silicone Studios, and Oscar Madong, NIACC engineering student and High Tech Hive participant.
Both Billie and Oscar have been utilizing the NIACC Innovation Workspace to bring their designs to life. Join us for TechTalk for a look at how community innovators are using the makerspace as an entrepreneurship resource.
As always, your first drink is on us!
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TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce

Register for TechTalk

Global Entrepreneurship Week
This event is part of the NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC’s Global Entrepreneurship Week. Learn more about the 2021 Global Entrepreneurship Week in North Iowa.

TechTalk - Industry 4.0
2021-09-28 17:00 - 19:00 | IA
Welcome back to TechTalk! Join us for an evening of making connections and exploring ideas.
Industry 4.0 is revolutionizing businesses in every sector, from advanced manufacturing to agriculture to restaurants and retail. Join us at TechTalk this month for a panel discussion that takes a look at how North Iowa’s business and industry leaders are evolving to meet modern challenges by finding modern solution, implementing new technologies and innovations.
Industry 4.0 is the next industrial revolution. What will the future look like in North Iowa? Find out at TechTalk!
Panelists include:

Matt Koch, Director of Information Technology, Sukup Manufacturing Co.
Dan Gleason, Chief Operations Officer, TitanPro
TBA

with Amy Markham and Patti Hanson of NIACC Continuing Education.
Enjoy an evening of making connections and exploring the opportunities in North Iowa – and, don’t forget, your first beer is on us!
TechTalk September is sponsored by NIACC Continuing Education.
TechTalk creates a space for sparking new ideas and conversations between innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, technologists, community members, and community partners. TechTalk’s goal is to engage, encourage, and elevate technology in North Iowa.
TechTalk Partners: NIACC Pappajohn Center, North Iowa Corridor EDC, Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce
