Resource Partner Feature – John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Many entrepreneurs have one thing in common – they want to own their own business. This is exactly how John Pappajohn felt when he graduated from the University of Iowa in 1952. Fast forward through an impressive entrepreneur, business and philanthropic career to 1996 and we arrive at the development of the IASourceLink resource partner being featured today – the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers (JPEC).
When Pappajohn organized and financed the development of JPEC, he developed five centers located at universities and colleges throughout Iowa – Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, University of Iowa, and University of Northern Iowa.
Each center has grown to focus on its strengths but all have the same ultimate goal: to teach and support entrepreneurial development. Through a multitude of resources and opportunities, budding entrepreneurs are able to take advantage of classes and workshops, business consulting and competitions. Many are likely familiar with the Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition which awards $50,000 to three Iowa businesses annually.
For student entrepreneurs JPEC offers specialized resources like the incubator program, which provides them with financial planning, strategic goal-setting and dozens of other resources to start their own business. JPEC also spearheads the advancing growth of student entrepreneurs through the Venture School and the annual Okoboji Entrepreneurship Institute.
As JPEC celebrates its 20 year in 2016, we hope the opportunities that have been available will continue to be used by entrepreneurs for the next 20 years and beyond. For more information, visit any of the JPEC center websites below.
Lea Hensel, UNI Business and Community Services
