JPEC Stories & News

Ribbon cutting at the new UNI JPEC space

UNI JPEC reorganization provides more space for student entrepreneurs to build businesses

The UNI JPEC is fueling entrepreneurship with more gusto than ever before thanks to a recent reorganization in the BCS building.
UNI students Ryan and Trevor Pentico

UNI students win Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Student Venture Competition, advance to final round

UNI students Ryan and Trevor Pentico

Three student-owned businesses at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) won the regional Pappajohn Student Venture Competition and will advance to a final pitch with the hope of earning seed money. 

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

Applications open for annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

The 2022 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The17th annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

Cedar Valley Green Business Competition

UNI to host inaugural competition of ideas to increase sustainability and reduce waste

The University of Northern Iowa will host its inaugural sustainability competition on March 31, where participants will submit their ideas on how to reduce landfill waste for a chance to win a $500 cash prize, with additional prizes for UNI students who take second and third place.

Anna Gilbreath at pottery wheel

Student entrepreneur molds her own future

Anna Gilbreath has mixed her love of art and entrepreneurship by building a small-batch ceramics business in UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center.
Skyler Ramsey with service dog

Student-run business helps provide equitable access to real estate

Skyler Ramsey's passion for helping individuals with limited mobility has grown into a real estate business they run in UNI's student business incubator. 
Noman Ikram

Student entrepreneur runs Pakistan-based business from UNI campus

UNI's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center has enabled one international student to run an e-commerce store based in Pakistan from Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Emma Slagle

UNI senior gives back with family-owned apparel business

With the help of the student business incubator, UNI senior Emma Slagle's desire to help first responders has spiraled into a successful family business.
UNI alum Greg Jass

UNI alum closes major business deal with top PR agency

New York-based PR agency Vested recently announced they had purchased Red Lab Technologies, a Cedar Falls digital marketing firm started by UNI alum Greg Jass.
Digital badges recognize marketable experiences

Digital Badges Recognize Students’ Marketable Experiences

For college graduates, having credentials can be a huge appeal to employers. At the College of Business, a new digital badge program further expands business students’ opportunities to earn professional distinctions, so they can kickstart their careers and showcase key skills gained from high-impact experiences at school.