Three UNI students won funding for their businesses at the 2026 John Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition on April 10. Kadin Walter was one of three winners of this year’s competition, receiving $5,000 for his venture Work N Walter Farms.
The twenty-first annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures, joining other startups from University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (UNI JPEC) alumni that have received this critical funding support.
If you give a student 24 hours and a local business problem, chances are they’ll develop an innovative idea to solve it. That’s exactly what 10 student teams did at Business Breakthrough, an event hosted by the University of Northern Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.
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.
Since UNI makes such a major impact on the Cedar Valley, it is only fitting for its employees to be among those recognized in the Courier’s annual “20 Under 40” list, which celebrates outstanding young leaders in the local community. This year, three University of Northern Iowa employees from across campus are being honored:
Lt. Gov. Chris Cournoyer visited the University of Northern Iowa and UNI’s TechWorks Campus as part of a tour focused on workforce development, advanced manufacturing and regional economic growth.
50 students from Brazil are at UNI to improve their English skills and learn more about agribusiness and entrepreneurship. 47 more will be here in the spring.
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 opens a new bakery location on College Hill, crediting her most impactful experiences to UNI's JPEC and the Entrepreneurship Club.
![Kadin Walter ['28] won $5,000 to support his business venture](/sites/default/files/styles/square_teaser/public/news-images/kadin%20walter%20.jpg.webp?itok=G0iAiE1j)
