JPEC | Inside UNI

Nov 02, 2023

The Heartbeat of Community

Think of the fond places you frequent in your hometown. Maybe it’s the corner pizza shop, the downtown grocery store, or the bank next door. In many towns, these businesses are essential, employing community members and providing the only goods and services available for miles.

Nov 01, 2023

UNI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’s economic development collaboration receives UDEA Award of Excellence

The University Economic Development Association (UDEA) recognized UNI for its Iowa CORE Black Capital Studies + Projects, receiving an Award of Excellence.

Oct 13, 2023

Like-minded brothers find success with separate entrepreneurial ventures

Davan and Nathan Crooker asked themselves where they could go to get a quality education and grow their ventures. The answer? The University of Northern Iowa.

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.

May 16, 2023

Cedar Valley business owner wins cash prize at Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

Marketia Moore won first place and a $5,000 prize for her business at the virtual Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition.

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.

Mar 20, 2023

University of Northern Iowa announces five-day dining venue takeover by local food entrepreneurs

Five of the Cedar Valley's Black food entrepreneurs will hold a venue takeover at the UNI Rialto Dining Center from March 23 to April 3.

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.

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