NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

TechTalk: The Rise of AI
2023-11-28 17:00 - 19:00 UTC | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Join us for TechTalk on Tuesday, November 28th at Mason City Brewing for a free beer, new ideas, and new connections! We’ll be joined by our sponsor, RSM, for an insightful discussion on Artificial Intelligence. Everywhere you go these days, people are talking about AI and the future of business. Don’t fear the robots – let’s talk about how to make AI work for you!
Registration is requested, but not required.

Register for TechTalk
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TechTalk is an event designed to bring together entrepreneurs, technologists, business people and investors for networking — and more. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions.

Financial Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
2023-11-30 17:30 - 21:00 | IA
Unlock business growth with insight into financial statements and projections
November 30 | 5:30pm-9pm | Via Zoom
Are you ready to embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial excellence? The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present a transformative 3-part series designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, business beginners, and those seeking to revitalize their entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship Essentials is your guide to start mastering the fundamental aspects of business creation, financial management, and effective marketing strategies.
In the second installment of our series, Financial Essentials delves into the critical steps required to master your business’s finances.
Your business’s financial health is a crucial determinant of its success. In Financial Essentials we demystify financial statements, empowering you to interpret and leverage these vital tools for decision-making. Discover how to create accurate projections that guide your business growth and unlock valuable insights into your company’s fiscal well-being.
Key Topics Covered:

Understanding Balance Sheets, Income Statements, and Cash Flow Statements
Interpreting Financial Data: Ratios and Trends
Building Realistic Financial Projections
Leveraging Financial Information for Strategic Planning

Register Now

Marketing Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
2023-12-07 17:30 - 21:00 | IA
Unleash the power of marketing with key essentials for maximum impact
December 7 | 5:30pm – 9pm | Via Zoom
Are you ready to embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial excellence? The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present a transformative 3-part series designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, business beginners, and those seeking to revitalize their entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship Essentials is your guide to start mastering the fundamental aspects of business creation, financial management, and effective marketing strategies.
In the third installment of our series, Marketing Essentials delves into the dynamic world of marketing and branding, focusing on the essential task of creating a strategic approach. Elevate your brand and connect with your audience through a strategic blend of digital and traditional marketing methods and develop a well-crafted marketing strategy. Propel your business forward by harnessing the power of modern digital tools such as websites, domains, email campaigns, and social media marketing, and discover the tactics necessary to build a tribe of passionate customers, maintain a strong online presence, and establish a memorable brand.
Key Topics Covered:

Construct a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy for Long-Term Success
Building a Consistent and Authentic Brand Identity within Your Marketing Strategy
Crafting an Effective Online Presence: Websites, Social Media & Google
Harnessing the Potential of Text and Email Marketing
Mobilizing Referrals and Conventional Marketing Approaches

Register Now

Tackle Your Technology To-Do List: Conquer Everyday Tech Challenges with Practical Solutions
2024-01-10 09:00 - 10:30 | IA
Join renowned tech expert, Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend, for a witty and practical webinar that cuts through the noise and focuses on the nuts and bolts of regular technology use. This session is designed to address the everyday tech challenges we all face, providing practical solutions that are relevant to everyone, regardless of skill level.
In this engaging webinar, Beth Z will guide you through a journey of discovery, empowering you to:

Identify Common Tech Hurdles: Uncover the pesky issues that waste your time and cause frustration in your daily tech interactions.
Master Tech Basics: From managing passwords to organizing files and decluttering your inbox, learn the essential skills and best practices that make your tech life smoother and more efficient.
Embrace Smart Solutions: Dive into Beth Z’s card deck filled with tiny tech steps that deliver big results. These practical tips and tricks will save you time, reduce stress, and streamline your technology use.
Boost Productivity: Gain the confidence and know-how to optimize your tech tools, troubleshoot common problems, and tackle your technology to-do list with ease.

This webinar is your opportunity to gain practical insights and actionable strategies to conquer everyday tech challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned tech user or simply looking to enhance your tech skills, this session is tailored to meet your needs.
Register

This event is part of a two-seminar series provided through partnerships with the NIACC Pappajohn Center, NIACC Business & Workforce Solutions, the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Mason City Chamber of Commerce.
Sponsored by:

CTA Compliance Seminar
2024-01-10 13:00 - 14:30 | Online
Effective January 1, 2024, most new and existing corporate entities in the United States will be required to file reports on their beneficial owners with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) under the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). Beneficial owners are generally defined as individuals who own or control an entity, either directly or indirectly, which includes individuals who own 25% or more of the company, or any individuals who exercise substantial control over the entity. The reporting rules are designed to prevent financial crimes, including money laundering, corruption, and tax evasion.
Although there are numerous exemptions from the reporting requirements, many small businesses will not qualify for an exemption and will need to report information on their beneficial owners. Our featured expert Brennan Block, Attorney at BrownWinick Law Firm, will answer your questions and guide you through what you need to know about this new reporting requirement.
This FREE webinar will address:

Who is required to report?
What are the exemptions from reporting?
What information is required to be reported?
Who are beneficial owners?
What is the deadline for filing the initial beneficial ownership report?
How is beneficial ownership information reported?
Is the information reported to FinCEN available to the public?
What are the penalties for failing to report?
Once an initial report is filed is it required to be updated?

Learn the tools and gain the confidence to handle your business’s CTA compliance.
Missed the seminar? Download a copy of the CTA Compliance Semiar slide deck or watch the recorded seminar.
Download
Watch

TechTalk
2024-01-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Start off the New Year with an evening of TechTalk, where you’ll find new connections, new ideas, and good conversation! TechTalk is kicking off 2024 with an interactive discussion all about Technology in North Iowa. Join us to hear what’s new from local technologists and business leaders, and share your perspective!
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TechTalk is an event designed to bring together entrepreneurs, technologists, business people and investors for networking — and more. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions.

Register for TechTalk

Business Essentials
2024-02-01 17:30 - 20:00 | IA
Are you ready to embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial excellence? The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present a transformative 3-part series designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, business beginners, and those seeking to revitalize their entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship Essentials is your guide to start mastering the fundamental aspects of business creation, financial management, and effective marketing strategies.
In the first installment of our series, Business Essentials delves into the critical steps required to turn your business idea into a reality. Explore the intricacies of starting a business, uncover the common pitfalls that lead to failure, and gain invaluable insights into what not to do. This session is the cornerstone of your entrepreneurial journey, offering practical guidance and expert advice to set you on the right path.
Key Topics Covered:

Navigating the Business Startup Landscape
Identifying Reasons for Business Failure and How to Avoid Them
Real-World Case Studies: Learning from Mistakes
Crafting a Solid Business Plan

This free online seminar is Part I of the NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Entrepreneurship Essentials series.
Register Now

HR Foundations for Success: Navigating Start-up Growth with Strategic Human Resources Practices
2024-02-07 10:30 - 11:30 | Pappajohn Center #117, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
As your business grows, you need a great team around you. In this free seminar, learn how you can build a strong foundation for success by leveraging strategic human resources practices. The seminar will cover topics like: hiring, job descriptions, organizational charts, payroll, employee policies, and more.
Featured speaker Whitney Brierly, HR Director at CFO Systems LLC, will share her expert insights into the importance and intricacies of human resources practices. Whitney has more than 12 years of experience in Human Resources, mostly in the biofuels and retail industries. Her strengths include problem solving, adaptability, collaboration, and effective communication across all levels of an organization. She currently serves as a Director at CFO Systems, which provides fractional CFOs, controllers, senior accountants, HR & procurement executives nationwide.
Registration is required.
Register Now

TechTalk: A Viral Q&A with The Fat Electrician
2024-02-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Join us at TechTalk for a behind the scenes Q&A session with Nic, aka The Fat Electrician. Nic is known across social media for his skit-style military review videos, with over 1.2 million followers on TikTok, 107k+ followers on Instagram, and 829k+ followers on YouTube. You can expect a wide-ranging conversation about going viral in North Iowa, social media tips and insights, and much more.
As always, your first drink at TechTalk is free! Registration is requested.
Register Now

Looking for a little something extra? Bring a friend new to TechTalk, and receive an extra drink 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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly. Learn more or get involved – check us out online and on Facebook.

Credit Card Processing 101
2024-03-26 07:30 - 08:30 | IA
Help your business reduce credit card processing fees with Credit Card Processing 101, brought to you by Payteva and the NIACC Pappajohn Center. This free seminar is specially designed for small business owners.
In this seminar you’ll learn about the latest industry trends and techniques for lowering processing fees. Our speakers from Payteva will also cover:

How to protect yourself from chargebacks
How to choose a processor
Setting your prices to include fees
Identifying fees you shouldn’t be paying
Surcharging the compliant way
Offering true cash discount
Tips & tricks to lower your fees
Level II & Level III Processing
Interchange Rate Increases

A light breakfast will be provided. Registration is required.
Register Now

TechTalk: eSports
2024-03-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
eSports have been called the new sport for the digital generation – competitive, organized video gaming is now a spectator sport and a multi-million dollar industry. Community colleges, high schools, universities, and professional leagues are all growing rapidly. Join us at TechTalk with the NIACC eSports team for an inside look at this exciting field.
As always, your first drink at TechTalk is free! Looking for a little something extra? Bring a friend new to TechTalk, and receive an extra drink on us!
Register Now

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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly. Learn more or get involved – check us out on Facebook.

Heartland Hustle: Venture Capital Workshop for Iowa Innovators
2024-04-03 13:00 - 15:00 | Pappajohn Center #117, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Featured Speaker: Kaylee William, Investment Director – InnoVenture Iowa
This free workshop will help Iowa innovators learn how to attract investment and transform your startup journey with expert advice and insights tailored to Iowa’s startup ecosystem.
Where: NIACC Pappajohn Center, Room #117
NIACC, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA 50401
Register Now

Navigating Cottage Kitchen Compliance
2024-04-16 13:30 - 14:30 | IA
Navigating Cottage Kitchen Compliance: Requirements, Policies, and Regulations Unveiled

This free online seminar is designed for home-based kitchens and farmers market vendors in Iowa. The state of Iowa has specific laws and regulations related to food that is prepared at home and sold direct to consumers. Make sure your home-based business is up-to-date and up to scratch! Dr. Shannon Coleman of the Iowa State University Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition will guide you through the key requirements, licenses, and inspections your home-based kitchen business needs to know.
When: April 16 @ 1:30pm
Where: Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Register Now

Morning Brew presented by NIACC CEO Club
2024-04-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Three Bells Books, 14 S. Commercial Alley, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
The Grind: Turning a Passion into an Opportunity

The NIACC CEO Club invites all entrepreneurs, small business owners, and career-oriented students to join Morning Brew on April 17, 2024. Featured speakers are entrepreneurs and innovators Molly Angstman of Three Bells Books and Jayson Ryner of ReEnvision Ag, discussing branding and the entrepreneurial journey.
Registration is required. Coffee and pastries will be provided.
Register

The NIACC CEO Club
NIACC CEO Club is the local chapter of the national organization, Collegiate Entrepreneur’s Organization (CEO), founded in 1983 and supports more than 16,500 emerging collegiate entrepreneurs annually. CEO believes that any student, regardless of academic discipline can launch a business.CEO’s mission is to assist student entrepreneurs in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to create and operate a successful new business venture, while providing value to the campus and the community. Membership is available to all students, regardless of their major. CEO meets two to three times a month. Advisor: Kelley O’Rourke, Student Entrepreneur Coordinator at the Pappajohn Center.
Who should join CEO? Students on the NIACC campus who want to get involved in a club and who has thought of starting their own business. Business, marketing, and design students, engineering, agriculture, career and industry track students. Everyone can benefit from entrepreneurial skills.

Financial Essentials: The Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
2024-04-18 17:30 - 20:00 | IA
Unlock business growth with insight into financial statements and projections at this free online workshop

Are you ready to embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial excellence? The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present a transformative 3-part series designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, business beginners, and those seeking to revitalize their entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship Essentials is your guide to start mastering the fundamental aspects of business creation, financial management, and effective marketing strategies.
In the second installment of our series, Financial Essentials delves into the critical steps required to master your business’s finances.
Your business’s financial health is a crucial determinant of its success. In Financial Essentials we demystify financial statements, empowering you to interpret and leverage these vital tools for decision-making. Discover how to create accurate projections that guide your business growth and unlock valuable insights into your company’s fiscal well-being.
Key Topics Covered:

Understanding Balance Sheets, Income Statements, and Cash Flow Statements
Interpreting Financial Data: Ratios and Trends
Building Realistic Financial Projections
Leveraging Financial Information for Strategic Planning

Free workshop via Zoom
Register Now

TechTalk: How Small Businesses Can Automate for E-commerce Success
2024-04-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Smart Selling: How Small Businesses Can Automate for E-Commerce Success

Wondering if automation is too complex for your business? Discover how integrating AI and automation in inventory, customer service, and marketing can streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance customer experiences. Unlock automation’s potential to transform your ecommerce venture!
At TechTalk, our featured speaker Tom Altman of Altus CXO will help you discover how you can boost your business by integrating automation essentials into your e-commerce strategy.
Register now and join us at TechTalk for new strategies you can put into practice for seamless small business e-commerce. As always, your first drink is on us!
Sponsored by: Altus CXO
Register

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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly. Learn more or get involved – check us out on Facebook.
Questions? Contact us at pappajohn@niacc.edu

Marketing Essentials: The Entrepreneurship Essentials Series
2024-04-25 17:30 - 20:00 | IA
Unleash the power of marketing with key essentials for maximum impact

Are you ready to embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial excellence? The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present a transformative 3-part series designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, business beginners, and those seeking to revitalize their entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship Essentials is your guide to start mastering the fundamental aspects of business creation, financial management, and effective marketing strategies.
In the third installment of our series, Marketing Essentials delves into the dynamic world of marketing and branding, focusing on the essential task of creating a strategic approach. Elevate your brand and connect with your audience through a strategic blend of digital and traditional marketing methods and develop a well-crafted marketing strategy. Propel your business forward by harnessing the power of modern digital tools such as websites, domains, email campaigns, and social media marketing, and discover the tactics necessary to build a tribe of passionate customers, maintain a strong online presence, and establish a memorable brand.
Key Topics Covered:

Construct a Comprehensive Marketing Strategy for Long-Term Success
Building a Consistent and Authentic Brand Identity within Your Marketing Strategy
Crafting an Effective Online Presence: Websites, Social Media & Google
Harnessing the Potential of Text and Email Marketing
Mobilizing Referrals and Conventional Marketing Approaches

Free workshop via Zoom
Register Now

CTA Compliance Seminar
2024-05-14 13:00 - 14:30 | IA
Effective January 1, 2024, most new and existing corporate entities in the United States will be required to file reports on their beneficial owners with Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) under the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”). Beneficial owners are generally defined as individuals who own or control an entity, either directly or indirectly, which includes individuals who own 25% or more of the company, or any individuals who exercise substantial control over the entity. The reporting rules are designed to prevent financial crimes, including money laundering, corruption, and tax evasion.
Although there are numerous exemptions from the reporting requirements, many small businesses will not qualify for an exemption and will need to report information on their beneficial owners.
This FREE webinar will address:

Who is required to report?
What are the exemptions from reporting?
What information is required to be reported?
Who are beneficial owners?
What is the deadline for filing the initial beneficial ownership report?
How is beneficial ownership information reported?
Is the information reported to FinCEN available to the public?
What are the penalties for failing to report?
Once an initial report is filed is it required to be updated?

Register today to learn the tools and gain the confidence to handle your business’s CTA compliance.
Featured Speaker: Brennan Block | Attorney | BrownWinick Law Firm
Register Now

TechTalk
2024-05-28 17:00 - 19:00 | Mason City Brewing, 28 E. State St., Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Creating a Path to Corporate Innovation: Insights from Hank Norem, Chief Innovation Officer for Sukup Innovations
Join us for TechTalk on May 28 for an evening sponsored by the NIACC Pappajohn Center! Are you embracing innovation at your company? Join us at TechTalk for an insightful Q&A with Hank Norem, Chief Innovation Officer for Sukup Innovations. We’ll be looking at the importance of innovation within a business, and how the creation of innovation teams or departments can allow companies to drive innovation, efficiency, productivity, and growth.
Register

Speaker
Hank Norem is the Chief Innovation Officer at Sukup Manufacturing Co., an innovative ag manufacturing company. In his capacity as CIO, Hank is responsible for the oversight of Sukup Innovations, an entity that also includes Ramco Innovations, specializing in industrial automation products and services, and Maple Studios, a startup studio supporting early-stage industrial companies.
Hank serves as Chief Technology Officer and Chair of the Iowa Innovation Council where he co-chairs the Advanced Manufacturing sub-group, which helped launch the Manufacturing 4.0 grant program. As a licensed CPA and graduate of UMKC’s MBA program, Hank combines his passion for studying and executing strategic business transactions with his financial expertise to drive technology developments throughout the Midwest.

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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly. Learn more or get involved – join the TechTalk Facebook Group.
Questions? Contact us at pappajohn@niacc.edu

TechTalk: Augmented Reality
2024-06-25 17:00 - 19:00 | IA
Discover how technology can revolutionize your training programs by using augmented reality.
Sponsored by Riskill.

Register 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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly. Learn more or get involved – join the TechTalk Facebook Group.
Questions? Contact us at pappajohn@niacc.edu

Mastering E-Commerce: Shopify Essentials
2024-06-26 13:00 - 15:00 | IA
Discover how your small business can master e-commerce with Shopify

Your small business can master e-commerce with this free workshop where you’ll learn the essentials of Shopify. Discover how to implement Shopify to expand your business and take advantage of the ever-growing e-commerce market.
In this free workshop, you’ll learn:

How to choose a theme and select between free or paid options
Customizing your store with branding & basic settings
Adding products and collections, including basics of variants and product options
Shipping, delivery, and pickup settings

This workshop will be led by Jennifer Gilbert, Owner & Marketing Strategist, Remio Group. This is an online webinar and will be held via Zoom. Register to receive webinar link and details:
Register

TechTalk: Young Professionals Take on Tech
2024-07-23 17:00 - 19:00 | Lake Time Brewery, 801 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
Join us at TechTalk for a panel discussion looking at emergent technology from the eyes of North Iowa’s next generation of professionals and leaders.
Register

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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly.

Maximizing Marketing Potential with Facebook Ads
2024-07-24 13:00 - 15:00 | IA
Unlock social success by maximizing your Facebook & Instagram ads

Your small business can unlock social success with Facebook and Instagram ads! Discover how to maximize the impact of targeted ads in this free online workshop. Demystify the process and take your social media marketing to the next level.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:

The basics of ad setup – choosing the right ad objective, recommended ad length, pricing information, and more
Pixel data and how to use it to your advantage
Targeting options 101 – demographic, geographic, custom audiences, lookalike audiences
Traffic and retargeting ads in closer detail

This workshop will be led by Jennifer Gilbert, Owner & Marketing Strategist, Remio Group. This is an online webinar and will be accessed via Zoom. Register to receive the webinar link and details:
Register

TechTalk: AI and U
2024-08-27 17:00 - 19:00 | Lake Time Brewery, 801 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
TechTalk takes a look at Artificial Intelligence at our August event! Join us for an enlightening discussion on the emergence of AI, exploring its transformative potential and the security concerns it can raise. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about the technology advancements reshaping our world and the strategies you can use to mitigate the resulting security risks.
Sponsored by CLTel
Register 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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly. Learn more or get involved – check us out online and on Facebook.
Questions? Contact us at pappajohn@niacc.edu

Business Essentials: Entrepreneurship Essentials I
2024-09-05 17:30 - 20:00 | IA
Your road map to successfully learning startup strategies, avoiding pitfalls, and crafting a solid business plan.

Are you ready to embark on a journey toward entrepreneurial excellence? The NIACC Pappajohn Center and SBDC proudly present a transformative 3-part series designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs, business beginners, and those seeking to revitalize their entrepreneurial endeavors. Entrepreneurship Essentials is your guide to start mastering the fundamental aspects of business creation, financial management, and effective marketing strategies.
In the first installment of our series, Business Essentials delves into the critical steps required to turn your business idea into a reality. Explore the intricacies of starting a business, uncover the common pitfalls that lead to failure, and gain invaluable insights into what not to do. This session is the cornerstone of your entrepreneurial journey, offering practical guidance and expert advice to set you on the right path.
Key Topics Covered:

Navigating the Business Startup Landscape
Identifying Reasons for Business Failure and How to Avoid Them
Real-World Case Studies: Learning from Mistakes
Crafting a Solid Business Plan

This free online seminar is Part I of the NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Entrepreneurship Essentials series.
Register Now

Rural Economic Development Summit 2024
2024-09-12 10:00 - 15:00 | IA
Join us for the 2024 Rural Economic Development Summit, featuring keynote speaker Steve Bench discussing rural talent acquisition and retention. Connect with others passionate about the economic future of rural Iowa. Enjoy a complimentary lunch and engage with booth sponsors. The event, FREE to attend, also features a panel interview with local economic development leaders. Don’t miss it!
When: Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 10:00am – 3:00pm
Where: NIACC Auditorium • 500 College Dr Mason City, IA 50401
Learn More & Register

Credit Card Processing Seminar
2024-09-19 12:00 - 13:00 | Garner Public Library, 416 State Street, Garner, IA, 50438, United States
The Garner Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Pappajohn Center and Payteva are excited to invite you to a free luncheon seminar. You will learn how to reduce fees and understand recent updates regarding credit card processing.
The following topics will be covered:

Protect yourself from chargebacks
Identifying junk or hidden fees
How to choose a processor
Surcharging the compliant way
Offering true cash discount
Benefits of Level II and Level III Processing
Interchange Rate Increases
Tips to lower your fees

Where: Garner Public Library
Cost: Free – Lunch provided!
Register by Tuesday September 17th by emailing chamber@comm1net.net or calling 641-923-3993.

Venture School Classes Begin
2024-09-19 17:30 - 21:00 | IA
Venture School Fall 2024 Applications due September 12
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center has partnered with the University of Iowa to bring Venture School to Mason City, Iowa. Venture School is the state of Iowa’s premiere entrepreneurial training program. Established in 2013, the eight-week Venture School program is built from a streamlined curriculum developed by the National Science Foundation I-Corps at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley.
Since its inception, Venture School has helped guide over 250 teams across the state of Iowa, and is designed to benefit Iowa startups, small businesses, non-profits, and corporate innovation teams. While Venture School is designed primarily for start-ups, it also has value for non-profits and businesses looking to introduce a new product or to expand into new territories.
Participants will gain marketing and make valuable connections to help them take their innovative idea to the next level. Venture School is currently looking for hardworking teams and individuals throughout the North Iowa and Southern Minnesota regions to join the upcoming Fall program.
Participating teams will also be eligible to compete for cash awards both locally and at the state level during the Venture School launch day at EntreFEST in Summer 2025.
Benefits

Gain focus and clarity for your business idea and build your foundational business model
Test and prove your business idea through guided customer discovery interviews to find product-market fit
Learn from experienced entrepreneurs, coaches, and instructions
Make valuable connections with local communities and other external groups that can help you define your key activities and get the resources you need to start and grow your business
Create a business model that becomes the core foundation of how you provide and deliver value to your customers and clients
Avoid wasting the time, energy, and money and create a sustainable business model that will deliver your customers what they need, want and are willing to pay for

Details
Cost: $299 per team
When: Fall 2024
Schedule:
Orientation (in person): September 19
Classes (virtual): Thursdays, September 26 – November 7 (no class Thursday October 3)
Final in-person presentations: Thursday, November 14
Time: 5:30 – 9:00pm
Registration Deadline: September 12, 2024
Contact Candi Karsjens at candi.karsjens@niacc.edu with questions, or if you are a local entrepreneur interested in becoming a Venture School coach.
Apply now for Fall 2024
Apply for Venture School

Everyday Entrepreneur Info Session
2024-09-23 12:00 - 13:30 | Pappajohn Center #117, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
NIACC students of all backgrounds and career fields are invited to participate in the 2024 Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition
Please join us for an informational session and workshop to learn more about the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition.
Whether you’re a business major, a healthcare professional, an artist with a unique idea, a science whiz with a groundbreaking innovation, or someone with an unwavering drive to make a difference, the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition is your chance to make your mark on the world. Join us and take that bold step toward turning your everyday ideas into extraordinary successes.
At the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition, you’ll work with a mentor to develop your business pitch and present to a panel of experienced judges for the chance to win cash prizes. This competition is a unique opportunity to refine your presentation skills, connect and network with like-minded peers and professionals, and receive valuable feedback from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs.
When: Monday, September 23 @ 12pm
Where: NIACC Pappajohn Center, Room #117
Registration is not required. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at pappajohn@niacc.edu, call us at 641-422-4111, or drop by the Pappajohn Center offices at PC #120.

TechTalk: Digital Transformations
2024-09-24 17:00 - 19:00 | Lake Time Brewery, 801 Main Ave, Clear Lake, IA, 50428, United States
Are you ready to dive deep into the evolving world of digital transformation? Join us at TechTalk for an exploration of how digital innovation is reshaping the way we interact with banks, businesses, and each other.
What to Expect:

Defining Digital Transformation: We’ll kick off by demystifying what digital transformation really means in today’s fast-paced world. Understand the core components and strategies that drive change and innovation.
A Brief History: Trace the journey of digital transformations in the banking industry, from the early days of ATMs and online banking to the current wave of AI-driven services and blockchain technologies. Learn how each milestone has set the stage for the dynamic landscape we see today.
Challenges and Opportunities: As banks and businesses navigate ongoing digital transformations, we’ll explore the key challenges they face and the immense opportunities that lie ahead for those who can successfully adapt to the ever-changing technological landscape.

Following the presentation, we want to hear from you! We’ll open the floor for feedback and discussion around the digitization challenges your business might be facing plus what digital banking features you love and what you’d like to see in the future.
And – as always – your first drink at TechTalk is on us!
Sponsored by Clear Lake Bank & Trust
Register 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 by creating the opportunity for meaningful interactions. Members are interested in adding more value to each month’s event while supporting and growing North Iowa’s creative class, including tech employees and employers.
TechTalk is a community-organized event and meets monthly. Learn more or get involved – check us out online and on Facebook.
Questions? Contact us at pappajohn@niacc.edu
