This article was originally written by Diana Wright (ISU Pappajohn Center) for Technology Association of Iowa
#1. The First Public Entrepreneurship Major in the state (for undergraduate students) coming next fall…Iowa State University’s College of Business has announced the new major.
#2. A New Doctorate Program in Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University’s College of Business.
#3. Plans have begun for the New Student Innovation Center. Located on Iowa State’s campus, the proposed 175,00-square-foot center will be for students across all majors to help spark true collaboration and innovation.
#4. The first-ever student accelerator, CYstarters, a 10-week summer program led by the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship just completed its first summer. Eight student startups were empowered to take risks, learn through real-world experiences, and help grow their businesses.
#5. The new ISU Core Facility opens. ISU Research Park celebrates the expansion and completion of the new $12 Million ISU Core Facility, aiming to be a “one-stop-shop” for all things economic development at Iowa State and beyond. This is home to:
#6. The ISU Startup Factory is a 52-week program for students, faculty and staff to create businesses. Entrepreneurs in the ISU Startup Factory receive formal training, resources, and access to a network of business mentors, advisors, counselors and investors in two, 26-week blocks.
#7. Startup Ames’ new community events. Startup Ames is an initiative led by local entrepreneurs that brings together local entrepreneurs to foster a robust community. Organizers behind Startup Ames have recently rolled out a new set of community events to inspire, educate, and celebrate the community:
#8. IdeaFlow, a social event for all types of people to connect.
#9. First Shot, an opportunity for entrepreneurs to pitch what they’re building.
#10. Startup Ames, a lunch and learn event focused on motivating and educating current and emerging entrepreneurs and the community.
#11. We are celebrating 20 Years! The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers are celebrating their 20th anniversary this September. John and Mary Pappajohn had a vision to start entrepreneurial centers 20 years ago for the state of Iowa—long before entrepreneurship was “cool” or even recognized as the catalyst for job growth and wealth creation. Because of their gift and vision, there are now five centers in Iowa: Drake University, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, University of Iowa, and North Iowa Area Community College.
And it doesn’t end there—strong entrepreneurial support organizations coexist regionally throughout the state:
#12. NewBoCo out of Cedar Rapids, home to the Iowa Startup Accelerator.
#13. The Creative Corridor, expanding across eastern Iowa.
#14. The Global Insurance Accelerator, a Des Moines accelerator tapping their own backyard insurance network.
#15. Square One DSM, provides an on-premise business accelerator program along with hosting a variety of networking opportunities including Startup Stories.
#16. 1 Million Cups, pitch opportunities organized by the Kauffman Foundation.
#17. The collective of coworking spaces popping all across Iowa.
Jump in and see how many of the 17 New Ways you can join in and experience. Isn’t it time for you to grow and expand your business?
