Applications Now Open for Spring 2026 Cohort

MASON CITY, Iowa – North Iowa entrepreneurs are achieving success with the assistance of the NIACC Pappajohn Center cohort of the University of Iowa Venture School. Venture School is the premiere business training program in Iowa, emphasizing real-world entrepreneurship and innovation based on a leading-edge curriculum. Participants learn to overcome the chaos and uncertainty of creating new ventures by conducting customer discovery, market research and developing their foundational business model in real-time.

The NIACC Pappajohn Center is now accepting applications for the Spring 2026 cohort of the University of Iowa Venture School program. The Spring 2026 program will begin with an in-person orientation session on Thursday, February 5, 2026. Classes will be held online via Zoom on Thursdays, February 12 through March 19, 5:30-9:00pm. The Venture School program will culminate with the Venture School Launch Day pitch competition, held in-person at NIACC on March 26, 2026, where entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to compete for cash prizes. The cost for the program is $299. 

Venture School participants are assigned a local entrepreneur as their coach who will help advise and guide them as they learn to master the startup process. Participating teams will be eligible to compete for cash awards both locally and at the state level during the Venture School launch day at EntreFEST 2026.

To apply for the Spring cohort, visit http://www.venture-school.com and select the Mason City cohort in the drop-down menu. The deadline to apply is January 23, 2026. Contact Ashley Page at ashley.page@niacc.edu with questions or if you are a local entrepreneur interested in becoming a Venture School mentor. Learn more about the North Iowa Venture School cohort at www.pappajohncenter.com/ventureschool.

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is the expert in rural business innovation and success. In partnership with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center, together we provide tools, support, and resources to Iowa’s entrepreneurs. We counsel both new and existing local businesses, from Main Street to industry leaders. We’re growing Iowa’s entrepreneurial culture through grade school initiatives, college and community programs, and business training and development. Contact the NIACC Pappajohn and SBDC Center at 641-422-4342 or pappajohn@niacc.edu.

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The mission of North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, NIACC is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa, serving approximately 3,000 career and transfer students each year. Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation’s leading community colleges, NIACC is where futures are found. Start your journey today at https://www.niacc.edu/apply-mkt/. Future, Found.