The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) on June 16th-20th. YEA is a free one-week academic camp sponsored by the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, and is offered annually to all North Iowa high school students interested in entrepreneurship. Each participant receives a $500 NIACC scholarship sponsored by John Pappajohn. This year’s academy included 4 high school students from across North Iowa.
The participants and schools represented were:
- Isabella Abben – Mason City Alternative High School
- Nickolas Bass – West Fork High School
- Reagan Lindquist – West Fork High School
- Shelby Smith – West Fork High School
Throughout the week-long camp, the aspiring entrepreneurs worked diligently to develop a business model canvas. Students had the opportunity to network with local entrepreneurs, develop leadership skills, and gain fundamental skills required when starting a business. On Monday June 23, the students pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges by submitting an executive summary that included a company description, financial plans, and business model key measures that included startup costs and sales projections. The students competed against their peers for a total of $1,600 in cash prizes.
The Academy’s director and mentor was Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator at the Pappajohn Center. The facilitator was Ashley Page, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs & Client Success at the Pappajohn Center.
The students presented their businesses to a panel of three judges: Brook Boehmler (North Iowa Area SBDC), Stacy Doughan (Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce), and Caleb Renner (Renner Age Solutions. The winners were:
1st Place – Reagan Lindquist, Dale’s Drive In Theater – $750 Prize
2nd Place – Isabella Abben, Bubbly Sweet Paws – $500 Prize
3rd Place – Nickolas Bass, Smokey Rubber Photography – $250 Prize
4th Place – Shelby Smith, Jolene’s Food Truck – $100 Prize
From Left: Reagan Lindquist, Isabella Abben, Caleb Renner, Nickolas Bass, Stacy Dougan, Shelby Smith, Brook Boehmler
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is North Iowa’s hub for new business starts, innovation, and rural business success. From Main Street startups to industry leaders, we’re building a stronger Iowa through hands-on advising, stakeholder-driven programs, and a commitment to entrepreneurial education, from the classroom to the boardroom. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu. Visit the NIACC Pappajohn Center online at www.pappajohncenter.com.
