About JPEC
The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC) at the University of Northern Iowa is much more than a launch pad for student entrepreneurs. The JPEC is a central hub for forward thinking change-makers located in the Cedar Valley. Our programs range from a Student Business Incubator; the Early Founders Program, an advanced accelerator; and the student organization, UNI Entrepreneurs. The JPEC collaborates with state partners to build and support IASourceLink and the regional office for the Iowa Small Business Development Center. These two state-wide programs connect Iowa entrepreneurs to resources across the state.
Our industry-experience instructors offer UNI students a minor and certificate in entrepreneurship. The JPEC team offers workshops and trainings to K-12 students to assist them in learning more about what it takes to become an entrepreneur. Through the generous support of CIPCO, unique internship opportunities are available to UNI students.
Staff & Instructors
JPEC faculty and staff support UNI students and community members in their entrepreneurial ventures. They often speak to various community groups on entrepreneurship, highlighting programs of the JPEC and providing specialized workshops or classes.
John Pappajohn
In the fall of 1996, John Pappajohn established the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at five Iowa universities and colleges and has continued to support these entrepreneurial hubs with more than $30 million in donations. His support is the foundation of entrepreneurial spirit across the state of Iowa.
Being involved in entrepreneurship, and the JPEC in general, was hands down the best and most life-changing decision I ever made.
Our Donors
Our generous donors financially support our mission to serve entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Learn who our donors are and how their funding and assistance is impacting our students in the classroom and beyond!
Impact
Want to learn more about how impactful our entrepreneurial programs are? Check out annual reports that measure our impact and tell stories from past tenants, students and community members.
