CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — The community is invited to a festive afternoon of holiday shopping at the first University of Northern Iowa Student Small Business Holiday Market on Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center. The event, presented by the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (UNI JPEC) and Northern Iowa Student Government, will feature 21 student-owned businesses.

This free, family-friendly event invites the Cedar Valley community to discover and shop a variety of student-made products like handcrafted goods, apparel, artwork and bakery items — just in time for the holiday season. Located in the Gallagher Bluedorn lobby among holiday trees, participants can expect live music and festive treats.

“We’re thrilled to launch our very first Holiday Market,” said Patrick Luensmann, director of the UNI JPEC. “Our students are incredibly creative and driven, and this event gives them a chance to share their products with the community while gaining real-world experience as entrepreneurs. We’re excited to welcome the Cedar Valley to campus to support them.”

As part of its mission, the UNI JPEC provides education, mentorship, funding opportunities and hands-on experiences to empower the next generation of innovators. The Holiday Market marks an exciting new annual tradition in support of student entrepreneurship.

For more information about the event and featured student vendors, visit jpec.uni.edu/programs/holiday-market.