JPEC Stories & News

Nathan Crooker

Elevator Pitch Competition provides three UNI student entrepreneurs with a cash prize to fund their ventures

With 90 seconds on the clock, 16 students from the University of Northern Iowa set out to prove they have what it takes to sustain a successful business.
Sam Parakkal presenting about JoyCorps

Working at the intersection of purpose and profit, UNI alum helps entrepreneurs build impactful businesses

UNI alum Sam Parkkal's life has come full circle from his time being mentored at the JPEC to now becoming a mentor as the executive director of JoyCorps.
Photo of Business and Community Services

UNI Small Business Development Center helps area small businesses thrive

The University of Northern Iowa’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help those growing or starting a business in the nine-county area around Waterloo and Cedar Falls. The center, which is housed in the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center on campus, provides no-cost, confidential business counseling customized to each client’s needs.
Russel Karim on Times Square jumbotron

From the JPEC to the Times Square jumbotron: one UNI alum’s journey to success in entrepreneurship

UNI graduate and former John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center resident Russel Karim has made it big time — on the Times Square jumbotron in New York City.
UNI campus

Presidents’ Choice Awards recognize impactful student, community organizations

By winning Presidents' Choice Awards, three student and community organizations have been recognized for their impact on campus and the broader community.
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.

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.