The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) on June 16th-20th. YEA is a free one-week academic camp sponsored by the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, and is offered annually to all North Iowa high school students interested in entrepreneurship. Each participant receives a $500 NIACC scholarship sponsored by John Pappajohn. This year’s academy included 4 high school students from across North Iowa.

The participants and schools represented were:

Isabella Abben – Mason City Alternative High School

Nickolas Bass – West Fork High School

Reagan Lindquist – West Fork High School

Shelby Smith – West Fork High School

Throughout the week-long camp, the aspiring entrepreneurs worked diligently to develop a business model canvas. Students had the opportunity to network with local entrepreneurs, develop leadership skills, and gain fundamental skills required when starting a business. On Monday June 23, the students pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges by submitting an executive summary that included a company description, financial plans, and business model key measures that included startup costs and sales projections. The students competed against their peers for a total of $1,600 in cash prizes.

The Academy’s director and mentor was Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator at the Pappajohn Center. The facilitator was Ashley Page, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs & Client Success at the Pappajohn Center.

The students presented their businesses to a panel of three judges: Brook Boehmler (North Iowa Area SBDC), Stacy Doughan (Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce), and Caleb Renner (Renner Age Solutions. The winners were:

1^st Place – Reagan Lindquist, Dale’s Drive-In Theater – $750 Prize

2^nd Place – Isabella Abben, Bubbly Sweet Paws – $500 Prize

3^rd Place – Nickolas Bass, Smokey Rubber Photography – $250 Prize

4^th Place – Shelby Smith, Jolene’s Food Truck – $100 Prize

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is North Iowa’s hub for new business starts, innovation, and rural business success.  From Main Street startups to industry leaders, we’re building a stronger Iowa through hands-on advising, stakeholder-driven programs, and a commitment to entrepreneurial education, from the classroom to the boardroom. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu. Visit the NIACC Pappajohn Center online at www.pappajohncenter.com.

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