Students
Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute
Congratulations to the 2008 finalists!
- Kelsey Peyton (Marketing, Finance)
- Anthony Schutt (Accounting)
- Jim Guarino (Civil Engineering)
- Jared Garfield (MIS)
- Anne Price (Communications, Museum Studies)
- Amanda Crane (Management)
- Jeff Gilbert (Electrical & Computer Engineering)
- Cody Seeley (Marketing)
Eight UI entrepreneurship students are chosen each year to participate in an advanced study of entrepreneurship at the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute held at Lake Okoboji, Iowa. This week-long program consists of a team-based entrepreneurial venture computer simulation, seminars with successful entrepreneurs, business and community leaders, and networking and mentoring to enhance your understanding of entrepreneurship opportunities in Iowa. A total of 32 students from the University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, Iowa Lakes Community College, and Buena Vista University participate each summer.
Benefits:
- Network with some of the top entrepreneurs from the state and country. Past speakers and participants have included: Former Governor Thomas Vilsack; Ted Waitt, Founder and Chairman of Gateway Computers; Tom Bedell, Chairman and CEO of Pure Fishing; and Marvin Pomerantz, Chairman and CEO of The Mid-America Group.
- Gain real world experience being an entrepreneur through a computer simulation in which teams create start-up companies and compete throughout the week.
- Monetary prizes are awarded to the top teams.
- Earn 3 semester hours of credit in one week. (Hours count as elective credit toward both certificates)
- All expenses are paid! (Student is responsible for travel to and from Okoboji)
Eligibility Requirements:
1. Current UI undergraduate student enrolled in the Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Technological Entrepreneurship Certificate, or B.A. in Performing Arts Entrepreneurship program.
2. Minimum of two of the four core required entrepreneurship courses completed.
3. Minimum 2.75 GPA in the entrepreneurship program.
Note: Preference will be given to students currently pursuing the creation of a new venture.
Application Requirements: (Registration Closed for Summer 2007)
1. Short Essay: Describe in detail your entrepreneurial background, venture(s) and goals, as well as why you think you should be selected for this institute. Submissions should be typed and no longer than one page.
2. Submit one letter of recommendation.
3. Top applicants will be expected to interview before final selections are made.
The institute is a joint effort of the State Board of Regents, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa, Iowa Lakes Community College, Buena Vista University, the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation and over 30 private companies.
"The institue covered every aspect of entrepreneurship that you can expect in the real world; the business side, the creativity, the risks, the relationships, the leadership and teambuilding. This is simply the best opportunity a student with an interest in entrepreneurship has available to them, and you receive credit for it." – Kyle Ellis, UI Engineering Major
"The only class I've taken that I wish I could take again." – Kyle Ellis, UI Engineering Student
"Simply put...the single best week of my summer" – Kyle Ellis, UI Engineering Student
"I have never experienced something so fun and enjoyable and so useful and beneficial to my future." – Michael Hubbard, UI Pre-Medical Student