The 2025 Iowa Student Entrepreneurship Summit is a day and a half of inspiration and growth where college students can learn, network, compete, and level up their entrepreneurial game!

The second annual Iowa Student Entrepreneurial Summit brings together business majors and student entrepreneurs from Iowa’s private colleges, community colleges, and the University of Northern Iowa. This dynamic event is the official pathway to the Pappajohn Student Venture Competition, where students pitch real business ideas for funding and advancement to the finals.

In addition to the competition, the Summit offers workshops designed to support students’ personal growth, leadership development, and entrepreneurial thinking—whether they are starting a business or planning to bring innovation and creativity into the workplace.

The Iowa Student Entrepreneurial Summit is free for students to attend, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participating in this unique, hands-on experience!

Who Should Attend: Student entrepreneurs and business majors from Iowa private institutions, University of Northern Iowa, and Iowa community colleges

What You Can Expect: 

• Expert-led workshops like Leveraging LinkedIn, Building a Great Pitch Deck, Personal Financials and Credit Score, The Importance of Intentional Networking, and more!
• Keynote addresses by Brad Barber, owner of Cabin Coffee Franchise, on Personal Branding, and Dan Gleason on Entrepreneurs as Leaders
• An engaging tradeshow and expo environment
• Valuable networking opportunities
• Student Pitch Competition with cash prizes for your winning business plan!

Cost: The Iowa Entrepreneurship Summit is free to attend. Meals and snacks are provided.