R. J. McElroy Student Business Incubator
The R. J. McElroy Student Business Incubator, a program of the JPEC, is an educational learning laboratory designed to inspire and educate students interested in entrepreneurship and small business. It is our hope that students will graduate equipped with the skills and experience necessary to create a positive influence on the Iowa economy and beyond.
The program is funded through the generosity the R. J. McElroy Trust, which allows student entrepreneurs to explore business ideas with the assistance of JPEC staff and other professionals. Current UNI students with a business idea are eligible to apply. Students from other area colleges and high schools will also be considered. Applicants are admitted on an ongoing basis and must demonstrate adequate progress to remain in the program.
Turn Your Idea Into a Business
Students accepted into the incubator have access to:
- Dedicated furnished office space
- 24/7 access to the incubator
- One-on-one business coaching and mentoring
- Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and business professionals
- Connections to professional service providers
- Opportunities to pursue funding and other JPEC resources
- A community of student entrepreneurs working alongside you
Incubator students are expected to:
- Actively work on your business
- Meet regularly with JPEC staff to discuss progress, challenges and next steps
- Establish goals and demonstrate progress
- Participate in JPEC programs, workshops and entrepreneurial events
- Maintain academic progress
- Follow UNI and JPEC facility policies
- Be a positive and contributing member of the incubator community
Progress might include:
- Testing or validating an idea
- Developing a product or service
- Making your first sale
- Growing revenue or customers
- Improving your marketing
- Developing financial projections
- Building partnerships
Students accepted into the incubator have access to:
- Dedicated furnished office space
- 24/7 access to the incubator
- One-on-one business coaching and mentoring
- Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and business professionals
- Connections to professional service providers
- Opportunities to pursue funding and other JPEC resources
- A community of student entrepreneurs working alongside you
Incubator students are expected to:
- Actively work on your business
- Meet regularly with JPEC staff to discuss progress, challenges and next steps
- Establish goals and demonstrate progress
- Participate in JPEC programs, workshops and entrepreneurial events
- Maintain academic progress
- Follow UNI and JPEC facility policies
- Be a positive and contributing member of the incubator community
Progress might include:
- Testing or validating an idea
- Developing a product or service
- Making your first sale
- Growing revenue or customers
- Improving your marketing
- Developing financial projections
- Building partnerships
Ready to Get Started?
The incubator is designed primarily for current UNI students who are serious about exploring or growing a business.
Students do not need to have everything figured out before applying. We are looking for students who:
- Have a business idea or existing venture they want to develop
- Are motivated to make progress
- Are willing to receive feedback and coaching
- Can commit time to working on their business
- Want to participate in the JPEC entrepreneurial community
Connect with JPEC to learn more about joining the Student Business Incubator!