JPEC | Inside UNI

Photo of Russel and Laurie with giant check

Aug 29, 2023

University of Northern Iowa alum wins first place and $40,000 at entrepreneurial venture competition

Russel Karim, a 2015 graduate of the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), won first place and a $40,000 prize at the 18th annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. Karim’s business, Dhakai, enables eCommerce and promotional apparel brands to move from idea to final delivered products ethically, sustainably and cost-effectively through a single technology platform.

Scott Burak talks with group of students

Jun 28, 2023

Social media account showcasing all things Iowa traces its roots back to UNI

An Iowa-focused social media account showcasing memes, lifestyle, and the overall joys of living in the state has gone viral, garnering widespread attention both online and within Iowa itself. It’s called Iowa Chill, and the brand's story starts here at the University of Northern Iowa.

Jun 22, 2023

From UNI to Ninja U and TV’s “American Ninja Warrior”

Many of the athletes featured on "American Ninja Warrior" have something in common: they train at Ninja U, which is owned and operated by two UNI alums.

UNI staff in the Build a Better Iowa podcast studio

Jun 14, 2023

Podcast tells the story about UNI’s Business and Community Services

The University of Northern Iowa's Business and Community Services (BCS) launched a podcast in March 2023 to showcase its programs and services. The podcast, called "Building a Better Iowa," features interviews with people from each of BCS's 12 outreach programs. The podcast has been a hit, with two seasons released so far. The team plans to continue the podcast and dive deeper into the different stories and clients BCS services.

Apr 28, 2023

The University of Northern Iowa remembers the life and legacy of John Pappajohn

The legacy of John Pappajohn is evident at UNI. Find out how this entrepreneur and philanthropist has left a lasting impact on campus.

Apr 20, 2023

Experiment 529 Receives Veridian Community Engagement Grant for third consecutive year

Experiment 529, a collaboration between Iowa CORE and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), has been awarded the Veridian Community Engagement Grant for the third year in a row. Experiment 529 aims to provide paid internships to college-bound high school and UNI students.

Feb 17, 2023

UNI and 24/7 BLAC win top national entrepreneurship education award

24/7 BLAC Black Business Entrepreneurial Accelerator (BBEA) and its collaboration with the University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (UNI JPEC) won the Model Community Accelerator/Incubator Award at the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship (USASBE) annual conference on Jan. 21.

Feb 03, 2023

JPEC’s Early Founders Program provides intensive business growth opportunities

A program at the UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) provides students with mentorship and collaboration opportunities while growing their businesses — all during academic breaks. It’s called the Early Founders Program, and students can apply for two different cohorts designed to teach the concepts and skills necessary for business ownership.

Jan 12, 2023

University of Northern Iowa celebrates 50+-year partnership with John Deere

UNI President Mark Nook and members of the UNI leadership team visited the John Deere Waterloo Operations facility for an annual meeting.

Business and Community Services building

Dec 05, 2022

Grant enables research into success strategies for underrepresented entrepreneurs

The Kauffman Foundation has provided a grant for research as part of the Black Capital Study + Projects, which will be carried out by Lindi Roelofse, the T. Wayne Davis Chair in Entrepreneurship at the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (UNI JPEC). The grant aims to support research initiatives that focus on exploring the journeys of underrepresented entrepreneurs and the challenges they face on their path to success.

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