NIACC Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Business Essentials Workshop
2026-01-22 17:30 - 20:00 UTC | Online
Your road map to successfully learning startup strategies, avoiding common 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

Register

This webinar is a small group workshop that guides you through the essential skills small business owners need. Take advantage of our experts’ knowledge, and get the answers to your entrepreneurship questions! This webinar is Part I of the NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Entrepreneurship Essentials series.

Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition Finals
2026-02-24 12:00 - 13:00 | NIACC Activity Center, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Join us at the NIACC Activity Center as finalists compete at the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition for cash prizes!

What is the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition?
The Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition is an exciting event where we welcome college students of all backgrounds and fields of study to take the stage and present their entrepreneurial skills and business ideas. Whether you’re currently operating a side business, aspiring to launch your own venture, or harboring a fantastic actionable business idea, this is your moment to shine.
Why participate?
Elevate your entrepreneurial dreams: Get your concept in front of a panel of experienced judges and network with like-minded peers. Connect with fellow student entrepreneurs who share your passion for innovation, opening doors to valuable collaborations and partnerships.
Win big: Compete for impressive cash prizes to use as seed money for your business or expansion.
Hone your pitching skills: Receive valuable feedback from industry experts and experienced entrepreneurs, helping you refine your presentation skills.
Whether you’re a business major, 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.
Who is eligible to participate:
Any currently enrolled NIACC student (including high school students who are concurrently enrolled in the fall semester) who has an idea for a community-based business or wants to scale up an existing business.
About the Everyday Entrepreneur Program + Fund
The Everyday Entrepreneur Program + Fund (EE) program is funded through a grant provided by the National Association of Community Colleges for Entrepreneurship (NACCE). The EE Program provides community colleges the support needed and access to entrepreneurial education best practices, curriculum, and initial funding for their students to take their businesses from ideas to thriving enterprises. The EE Program furnishes education, funding, and mentoring support to aspiring entrepreneurs.

Protecting Your Big Idea: Patent Workshop
2026-04-07 12:00 - 13:00 | Pappajohn Center #117, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
Have you ever wondered if your Big Idea can be patented? Learn more about patents, the patent application process, and patent strategies for entrepreneurs and small businesses with Patent Agent Stosch Sabo. Whether you’re preparing to launch a new business or exploring a patent strategy for an established business, this workshop will provide insight into the costs, timelines, benefits, limitations, and strategies related to patents.
Join us at the NIACC Pappajohn Center for this free in-person workshop that will help you learn how to protect your Big Idea.
Who Should Attend?
– Innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs of product-based businesses
– Anyone interested in better understanding how patents may play a role in your business, now or in the future
Space is Limited. Registration is required. Register now at https://pappajohncenter.zohobackstage.com/Patent-Workshop
Featured Speaker: Stosch Stabo, Lead Patent Agent.
Stosch Sabo has drafted/prosecuted 400+ patents to issuance in his 10+ years as a Lead Patent Agent at IBM. Prior to joining IBM, Stosch was an engineer for several years where he was an inventor on multiple patent applications. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with dual degrees in Composite Materials Engineering and English from Winona State University. He lives in Mason City with his wife and two young kids.

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

Business Essentials
2026-08-27 17:30 - 20:00 | Online
Your road map to successfully learning startup strategies, avoiding common 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 workshop event 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.
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

Register

This webinar is a small group workshop that guides you through the essential skills small business owners need. Take advantage of our experts’ knowledge, and get the answers to your entrepreneurship questions! This webinar is Part I of the NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Entrepreneurship Essentials series.

2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
2026-09-24 17:00 - 21:00 | NIACC Activity Center, 500 College Dr, Mason City, IA, 50401, United States
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.
Five additional recognitions will be awarded at the Gala. The Pappajohn Center is now accepting nominations for these awards:

Distinguished Entrepreneur Award
Young Entrepreneur Award
Student Entrepreneur Award
Innovation Award
Outstanding Business Award

Nominations are due by August 9, 2026.
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!
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on August 17, 2026. Please contact the Pappajohn Center with any questions at pappajohn@niacc.edu or 641-422-4111.
Purchase Your Tickets
