The fifth biannual Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Gala took place on Thursday, September 24, 2026. This special event recognized and celebrated the hard work, determination, and accomplishments of North Iowa entrepreneurs who are helping to shape the future of our region.
Dean Snyder Construction of Clear Lake was honored with the NIACC Pappajohn Legacy Award for their vital contributions and unwavering support to North Iowa. Six additional recognitions were awarded at the Gala. Explore a recap of the evening, watch the video celebrating the Dean Snyder Construction legacy, learn more about the winners, and view photos from the night:
The 2026 Pappajohn Entrepreneur Gala
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
