MASON CITY — Seven North Iowa startup teams pitched their business ideas during the NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center’s Spring 2025 University of Iowa Venture School Launch Day competition, with $4,000 in prizes awarded to local entrepreneurs.
The competition was held Thursday, March 27, 2025, in Mason City, following seven weeks of virtual training, customer discovery and business model development. Participants worked with local entrepreneur coaches before presenting their ideas in person to a panel of judges.
Judges for the competition were Billie Asmus of Repaint Studios, Matt Curtis of Wayne’s Ski & Cycle and Zack Smith of The Stock Cropper.
First place went to Georgette, founded by Hallie Erdahl of Thornton. The bridal and formalwear boutique was awarded $1,800. Georgette is designed to offer a private, upscale shopping experience for brides and formalwear customers, including one-on-one appointments, designer gowns, refreshments and same-day take-home options.
Second place went to All About You, led by Katie Roderick of Clear Lake. The mental health and wellness clinic was awarded $1,400. All About You is focused on serving women and teens through personalized care in a welcoming, holistic setting.
Third place went to Haven Grove, led by Ellie Reimer of Clear Lake. The event venue concept was awarded $500. Haven Grove is planned as an event complex featuring a sailcloth tent and permanent indoor structure, giving hosts flexibility for celebrations in a scenic open-air setting with weather backup.
Fourth place went to Magical Moments, led by Troy and Cindy Levenhagen of Mason City. The business was awarded $300. Magical Moments aims to bring magic, hypnotists and live entertainment to North Iowa by partnering with local venues rather than operating from one permanent location.
Three other teams received honorable mention.
Cyber Strength, led by Justin Zimmerman and Kara Trettin of Mason City, offers services designed to help youth athletes reduce injuries, improve recovery and enhance performance.
Hilltop Bakery, led by Emily Knecht of Charles City, is a home-based bakery that began in 2022 and has served events including birthdays, baby showers and weddings. Knecht is looking to grow the business into a brick-and-mortar location.
BioFrye Solutions, led by Brian Frye of Williams, is focused on developing compostable bioplastics made from Iowa corn. The company aims to give businesses an alternative to petroleum-based plastics while supporting sustainability goals.
The University of Iowa Venture School is a statewide entrepreneurship program built from curriculum developed through the National Science Foundation I-Corps program at Stanford University and the University of California, Berkeley. The program emphasizes customer discovery, business model testing and direct market feedback rather than relying only on traditional research.
Each Venture School team is paired with a local entrepreneur coach. On Launch Day, teams compete for seed money, and eligible teams may also compete for state-level awards at the University of Iowa Venture School Launch Day during EntreFEST in Cedar Rapids.
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center said Venture School is intended to help rural entrepreneurs test ideas, sharpen business models and move startups closer to launch.
(Picture from left: Hallie Erdahl, Katie Roderick, Ellie Reimer, Troy Levenhagen, Cindy Levenhagen)