innovate link

Entrepreneurship is
innovation in action.

Get your startup off the ground. Connect with real-world entrepreneurs. Take business training courses. Whatever you want when it comes to entrepreneurship, the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is here for you.

Get Involved

Since 1996, we’ve been helping entrepreneurs across the state succeed, including Iowa State students, faculty, and alumni along with Iowan innovators and business owners. From our entrepreneurship-focused programs like CYstarters, to friendly competitions like our College-by-College Pitch Off, to resources like our ISU Startup Factory incubator and more, here you can find tools and support to help you engage your inner innovator.

And since we’re part of Iowa State’s Start Something Network, you can be confident that you’ll always have access to the latest in innovation opportunities.

Here to help you get started.

Maybe you’re an aspiring business owner who wants help with a business plan. Maybe you’re a faculty member who wants to learn how to bring out your innovative side. Maybe you’re a student who’s not even sure what entrepreneurship is all about, but you’re intrigued. Whatever stage you’re in, at the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, we’re here to help.

Contact Us

You can email us at info@isupjcenter.org. Or call us at 515-296-6532. Or see us during office hours.

Because if you can dream it, we can help you do it. Even if you’re not quite sure what “it” is just yet.

Events

April 2, 2024
Reiman Entrepreneurial Speaker Series

Reiman Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Startup Successes and Lessons Learned Along the Way  with Bruce Lehrman, Serial Entrepreneur Join us Tuesday, April 2, to hear from Bruce Lehrman, serial entrepreneur and founder of Involta, an award-winning national IT service provider and consulting firm. Bruce will share insights into the startup world…

Reiman Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Startup Successes and Lessons Learned Along the Way  with Bruce Lehrman, Serial Entrepreneur Join us Tuesday, April 2, to hear from Bruce Lehrman, serial entrepreneur and founder of Involta, an award-winning national IT service provider and consulting firm. Bruce will share insights into the startup world…

Reiman Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Startup Successes and Lessons Learned Along the Way  with Bruce Lehrman, Serial Entrepreneur Join us Tuesday, April 2, to hear from Bruce Lehrman, serial entrepreneur and founder of Involta, an award-winning national IT service provider and consulting firm. Bruce will share insights into the startup world…

Details >
April 3, 2024
Start Something Series | Beyond the Business Plan: Entrepreneurial Passion

This installment of the Start Something Series will feature Pol Hermann, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, Mike Howard, Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, and Shane Grivich, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Chartspan. About the Session: Entrepreneurial Passion Entrepreneurial founders bring a unique sense of passion…

This installment of the Start Something Series will feature Pol Hermann, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, Mike Howard, Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, and Shane Grivich, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Chartspan. About the Session: Entrepreneurial Passion Entrepreneurial founders bring a unique sense of passion…

This installment of the Start Something Series will feature Pol Hermann, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, Mike Howard, Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Iowa State, and Shane Grivich, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Chartspan. About the Session: Entrepreneurial Passion Entrepreneurial founders bring a unique sense of passion…

Details >
April 10, 2024
Start Something Series | Beyond the Business Plan: How Entrepreneurs Think Differently

This installment of the Start Something Series will feature Ileana Maldonado, Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University. About the Session: How Entrepreneurs Think Differently This presentation explores the distinct thought processes that set entrepreneurs apart from CEOs, delving into cognitive nuances, decision-making disparities, and innovative approaches….

This installment of the Start Something Series will feature Ileana Maldonado, Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University. About the Session: How Entrepreneurs Think Differently This presentation explores the distinct thought processes that set entrepreneurs apart from CEOs, delving into cognitive nuances, decision-making disparities, and innovative approaches….

This installment of the Start Something Series will feature Ileana Maldonado, Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Iowa State University. About the Session: How Entrepreneurs Think Differently This presentation explores the distinct thought processes that set entrepreneurs apart from CEOs, delving into cognitive nuances, decision-making disparities, and innovative approaches….

Details >

News

February 2, 2024
Cam Reiman Named Winner of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards Competition

The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Celebrates Cam Reiman, Founder of Spock’s Sanctuary, as Winner of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards    AMES, IA – February 1, 2024 – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to announce the outstanding achievement of Cam Reiman, founder…

The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Celebrates Cam Reiman, Founder of Spock’s Sanctuary, as Winner of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards    AMES, IA – February 1, 2024 – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to announce the outstanding achievement of Cam Reiman, founder…

The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Celebrates Cam Reiman, Founder of Spock’s Sanctuary, as Winner of the Global Student Entrepreneur Awards    AMES, IA – February 1, 2024 – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to announce the outstanding achievement of Cam Reiman, founder…

Details >
January 23, 2024
Iowa State University Startup Factory Announces Cohort Fifteen

Iowa State University Startup Factory Announces Cohort Fifteen AMES, Iowa (January 24, 2024) – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to announce the participants selected for the ISU Startup Factory’s fifteenth cohort.  Cohort 15 consists of 17 members running 10 business ventures, either individually or in…

Iowa State University Startup Factory Announces Cohort Fifteen AMES, Iowa (January 24, 2024) – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to announce the participants selected for the ISU Startup Factory’s fifteenth cohort.  Cohort 15 consists of 17 members running 10 business ventures, either individually or in…

Iowa State University Startup Factory Announces Cohort Fifteen AMES, Iowa (January 24, 2024) – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to announce the participants selected for the ISU Startup Factory’s fifteenth cohort.  Cohort 15 consists of 17 members running 10 business ventures, either individually or in…

Details >
January 17, 2024
The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Wins Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award for CYstarters

Iowa State University’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Wins Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award for CYstarters at USASBE 2024 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Awards AMES, January 18, 2024 – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship proudly announces its recognition as the recipient of the Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award at the…

Iowa State University’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Wins Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award for CYstarters at USASBE 2024 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Awards AMES, January 18, 2024 – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship proudly announces its recognition as the recipient of the Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award at the…

Iowa State University’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Wins Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award for CYstarters at USASBE 2024 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Education Awards AMES, January 18, 2024 – The Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship proudly announces its recognition as the recipient of the Model University Accelerator/Incubator Award at the…

Details >

They Don't Want You To Know This...

But entrepreneurs are some of the most fascinating people. But why do we find them so fascinating?

  • Entrepreneurs Start something + take lead
  • Entrepreneurs Vision + create where they want to be + are open to the possibilities
  • Entrepreneurs Pursue their passions and don’t fall for normalcy.
  • Entrepreneurs Live a self-directed life + are committed to not give up
  • Entrepreneurs Succeed or fail fast—But one thing is for certain, they’re always learning

So whether you come from an entrepreneurial background or maybe you just learned how to spell entre-pre-neur,

We believe that an adventure in entrepreneurship is worth starting while at Iowa State.

Start Your Entrebold Adventure At ISU

Get to Know the Ames Entrepreneurial Landscape

It’s an exciting time for entrepreneurship in Ames…

Now, more than ever the resources, the minds + the ability to overcome, grow + be bold is apparent.

And guess what?

We would love to help you in anyway we can — whether it’s a connection within Iowa State, a live-case study for your business led by a student team, business counseling and training, or locating space within ISU Research Park.

Help us get to know you + where you fit in the entrepreneurial landscape in Ames!

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers offer a comprehensive entrepreneurial program for learning.  My goal in establishing the centers is to educate and train adults and students to give them confidence…so that they can become successful entrepreneurs.

John Pappajohn Philanthropist & Founder and CEO of Equity Dynamics, Inc

The Pappajohn Center has been there for me and my business as I have gone through several pivots over the last two years. From teaching calligraphy workshops to now running a full-service creative design studio, I have found incredible mentorship, funding, and even collaboration opportunities working with their lovely staff as my business has grown and changed. They are always there to celebrate the successes, or help you work through all of the challenges that come along with running a startup!

Lauren Gifford Founder, Letter with Lauren Liz

To date, CYstarters has been the most pivotal move I’ve made in my professional life. My greatest passions, the majority of skillset, and even my current employment are ALL thanks to the people at the Pappajohn Center.

If you or someone you know is or will be attending ISU, CYstarters is a can’t-miss.

Jake Oswald Director of Marketing + Intrapreneurship
The atmosphere of entrepreneurial spirit is alive within the talent and resources of the ISU Pappajohn Center. The team at the ISU Pappajohn Center is always eager and very capable of offering assistance, especially during the early stages of new businesses.  We have also had the pleasure of working with CyBIZ Lab that is based at the Center, which has been a great resource of talented students for market research and business planning.  The connection with Iowa State University students, for internships, as well as faculty that support the entrepreneurial spirit of new businesses, isa great asset for any business that establishes their initial roots here.
Kevin Maher Founder of GlobalVetLink & VetMeasure