Closing Out a Successful Summer with CYstarters Cohort 9

Closing Out a Successful Summer with CYstarters Cohort 9

Ames, IA, August 1, 2024 – Eleven weeks of education, mentorship, and fun have come to a close with CYstarters cohort 9 members receiving alumni status. The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship hosted the 9th annual CYstarters Demo Day on Tuesday, July 30, where 16 students who have founded 14 businesses pitched their ventures for the final time in front of a crowd of over 150 peers, CYstarters alumni, Iowa State University staff and faculty, and the Ames community.

Demo Day featured a variety of innovative products and services developed by the members of cohort 9. Attendees had the chance to interact with each of the CYstarters and their businesses, from tasting Frozen Gains weight gainer ice cream and previewing the new SockzUp prototype designed to assist individuals with disabilities in putting on and taking off their socks, to playing a riveting round of the latest Morbid Living card game.

Megan Graettinger, CYstarters Program Director, had endless positive things to share about cohort 9, but in her brief remarks before the presentations began, she praised the cohort for their punctuality, inclusivity, and thoughtfulness. Each business had five minutes to present their progress and make a final ask of the audience. The presentations showed significant growth in each business over the summer, proving that the students are prepared to continue pursuing their businesses beyond the program.

Chloe Mettenbrink, founder of SockzUp, shared her gratitude for the program, saying, “CYstarters has set me up to continue pursuing my business, and I can’t wait to see what comes next. I plan to continue prototyping, refine the product, and head into the trial-and-error stage with my prototype. My biggest takeaway from participating in this program has been the people. Everyone has been so encouraging. We each have unique strengths and have been able to help other people in our areas of expertise. It has been really beautiful to see the collaboration and community that CYstarters is.”

Thanks to several generous donors, the Pappajohn Center team was able to offer $13,750 in awards to current CYstarters, alumni, and one supporting mentor:

  • CYstarters Alumni Award ($2,500 each): Three CYstarters alumni were awarded $2,500 for their continued efforts in entrepreneurship and innovation. Congratulations to Grant Stotts of Chain Wrestling (Cohort 8), Mia Nichols of C’est La Crepe food trailer (Cohort 8), and Cam and Cole Reiman of Spock’s Sanctuary (Cohort 7).
  • Ted Bair Award ($1,000): This two-part award was given to a current CYstarter who best demonstrates the characteristics of the late Ted Bair and to a CYstarters supporter. Congratulations to Ella Schulte, founder of You Mag, and Mindy Bergstrom, local business owner and entrepreneur.
  • Clayton Mooney Award ($250): Donated by Clayton Mooney, alumni of CYstarters cohort 1 and founder of Clayton Farms, this award was given to Kaden Bowie of VickSum Pay for demonstrating grit, hustle, and transparency.
  • Mystery Judge Awards ($1,000 each): Five mystery judges were seated in the audience as current CYstarters pitched their businesses to the community. Thanks to a charitable donation from Kurt and Kristyn Tjaden, each judge received $1,000 to award a CYstarter of their choice based on their own criteria. Congratulations to the recipients: Andrew Walton (Morbid Living), Ellie Lashier (Joyful Melodies), Chloe Mettenbrink (SockzUp), Dani Rothman (Bustle Row Bridal), and Jonathan Duron (Taglink).

As the 16 members of cohort 9 become alumni of the CYstarters program, be sure to follow along as their businesses continue to grow. You can read each of their stories and find their contact information at isupjcenter.org/news/ or watch their spotlight videos on our YouTube channel.

Congratulations to Cohort 9 on a fantastic summer spent focused on entrepreneurship and innovation! The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship thanks all supporters of our student entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship programming.

About CYstarters: CYstarters is an 11-week accelerator program by the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University, designed to support student entrepreneurs in developing their businesses through education, mentorship, and funding opportunities.