MASON CITY – The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the 2025 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA) on June 16th-20th. YEA is a free one-week academic camp sponsored by the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, and is offered annually to all North Iowa high school students interested in entrepreneurship. Each participant receives a $500 NIACC scholarship sponsored by John Pappajohn. This year’s academy included 4 high school students from across North Iowa.
The participants and schools represented were:
Isabella Abben – Mason City Alternative High School
Nickolas Bass – West Fork High School
Reagan Lindquist – West Fork High School
Shelby Smith – West Fork High School
Throughout the week-long camp, the aspiring entrepreneurs worked diligently to develop a business model canvas. Students had the opportunity to network with local entrepreneurs, develop leadership skills, and gain fundamental skills required when starting a business. On Monday June 23, the students pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges by submitting an executive summary that included a company description, financial plans, and business model key measures that included startup costs and sales projections. The students competed against their peers for a total of $1,600 in cash prizes.
The Academy’s director and mentor was Raegan Hanson, Youth Entrepreneurship Coordinator at the Pappajohn Center. The facilitator was Ashley Page, Director of Entrepreneurship Programs & Client Success at the Pappajohn Center.
The students presented their businesses to a panel of three judges: Brook Boehmler (North Iowa Area SBDC), Stacy Doughan (Clear Lake Area Chamber of Commerce), and Caleb Renner (Renner Age Solutions.
The winners were:
1st Place – Reagan Lindquist, Dale’s Drive-In Theater – $750 Prize
2nd Place – Isabella Abben, Bubbly Sweet Paws – $500 Prize
3rd Place – Nickolas Bass, Smokey Rubber Photography – $250 Prize
4th Place – Shelby Smith, Jolene’s Food Truck – $100 Prize
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is North Iowa’s hub for new business starts, innovation, and rural business success. From Main Street startups to industry leaders, we’re building a stronger Iowa through hands-on advising, stakeholder-driven programs, and a commitment to entrepreneurial education