Business and Community Services Stories & News

Group of students pose during Parma Calcio Soccer Club tour

Students discover lessons learned for family businesses during Italy study abroad trip

From family farms to Italian firms — UNI students discovered how family businesses thrive across generations and cultures.
Group photo of Lange Kruger with Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute

How the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute inspired Lane Kruger’s next business journey

After a transformative week at the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute, Lane Kruger ('26) returned to the Wilson College of Business with a sharper vision, stronger network, and the confidence to turn his creative side hustle into a full-time business.
UNI graduate, Maddie Palmersheim, holds passed inspection certificate on her new location on College Hill.

From classroom to College Hill: UNI marketing graduate finds success in local business

UNI graduate Maddie Palmersheim opens a new bakery location on College Hill, crediting her most impactful experiences to UNI's JPEC and the Entrepreneurship Club.
A person practices using an AED on a CPR training mannequin.

Data Drives Business Success for UNI Student Entrepreneurs

From landscaping lawns to saving lives, UNI’s JPEC is fueling student entrepreneurs with data-driven strategies that turn side hustles into thriving businesses.
Aerial view of Spencer, Iowa

UNI’s Business & Community Services gathers, leverages data to assist in Iowa storm response

When disaster strikes, Business & Community Services steps up to support Iowa's recovery. After devastating storms in the spring of 2024, our Institute for Decision-Making and Strategic Marketing Services gathered critical data to inform relief efforts, aiding communities in addressing housing, infrastructure and resource needs.
Illustration of head and lightbulb

Manufacturing Innovation: Industrial organizations use IP to build business

Intellectual property isn't just about legal rights; it's a driving force behind business innovation and growth. Discover how IP-intensive industries, from pharmaceuticals to tech, are leveraging intellectual property to stay ahead in a fast-paced global market.
Owners of Grid Lounge, Zach Everman, Reese Reimer and Patrick Luensmann

JPEC connection leads to new sim racing business venture

Zach Everman transformed a basement hobby into Grid Lounge, Cedar Falls' sim racing destination, with the support of the University of Northern Iowa's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC). Leveraging JPEC's resources and guidance, Everman navigated the entrepreneurial journey to create a unique space for racing enthusiasts and beyond.
Davan Crooker holding check for $5,000 with Patrick Luensmann

University of Northern Iowa students among winners in the 24th annual John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

Davan Crooker of UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center emerged as a first-place winner at this year's Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition.
Can showing the Green Brewery Certification

Brewing for a better tomorrow

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center (IWRC) is dedicated to enhancing the environmental sustainability of Iowa’s brewing industry through its Iowa Green Brewery Certification program.
Students prepare for Rummage Rampage event with Revitalize to Rewear bags

Revitalize to Rewear: Student project saves clothing from the landfill

Diverting waste from landfills certainly isn’t glamorous work, but one group of UNI students is doing it in style through Revitalize to Rewear.