The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center conducted the 2024 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) on June 3-7. 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 11 high school students from across North Iowa.

The participants and schools represented were:

Brisa Agueta-Trujillo, Mason City High School

Ian Carolus, Mason City High School

Isabella Garner, Newman Catholic High School

Moon Gay, Mason City Alternative School

Reese Harrold, Mason City High School

Dessa Kiwacz, Mason City High School

Eric Pals, Mason City High School

Fernanda Ramirez, West Fork High School

Casey Schilling, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School

Chase Sorenson, Forest City High School

Brenden Walker, 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 Tuesday, June 11, 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 $2,400 in cash prizes.

The Academy’s director and mentor was Kelley O’Rourke, School Partnership Entrepreneurial Coordinator at the Pappajohn Center. The facilitator was Ashley Page, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs & Client Success at the Pappajohn Center.

Guest speakers for the week were Joyce Martin, Pappajohn Center Marketing and Community Relations Manager; Chris Frenz, NIACC; Caleb Renner, Renner Ag Solutions; Brad and Angie Barber, Cabin Coffee; Stacy Doughan, President & CEO of the Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.

The students presented their businesses to a panel of three judges: Hunter Callanan; Spencer Stensrude, Ag Ventures Alliance; and Molly Watson, Home Style. The judges chose three businesses to win the top prize, with two honorable mention prizes of $250 and four honorable mention prizes of $100. The winners were:

Top Prizes:

Dessa Kiwacz and Reese Harrold, AdVersa – $500 prize

Casey Schilling, K2 Enterprises – $500 prize

Chase Sorsenson, SubZero – $500 prize

Honorable Mentions:

Brisa Argueta-Trujillo, Frosted Home Baked Goods – $250 prize

Fernanda Ramirez, Ramirez Sister Renovations – $250 prize

Ian Carolus, River City Retro – $100 prize

Isabella Garner, Jeweled Stitches Crochet & Jewelry – $100 prize

Moon Gay, The Kitty Corner – $100 prize

Brendan Walker, Jacket Ink Games – $100 prize

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is the expert in rural business innovation and success. In partnership with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center, together we provide tools, support, and resources to Iowa’s entrepreneurs. We counsel both new and existing local businesses, from Main Street to industry leaders. We’re growing Iowa’s entrepreneurial culture through grade school initiatives, college and community programs, and business training and development. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu.

# # #

Ref # 7009

The mission of North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, NIACC is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa. With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation. Become a NIACC Trojan today at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-mkt/