from left: Sherri Stensrude, Lauren Jepperson, Bridget Herrick, Josh Swartwood, Cait Dillavou, Caleb Renner, Hallie Erdahl, Shaden Tweeten)
MASON CITY — A federal rural business grant has helped North Iowa Area Community College launch a new small business incubator program aimed at helping entrepreneurs move beyond an idea and into the day-to-day work of building a sustainable company.
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center recently launched Venture Launch Lab, a hands-on incubator program for aspiring and early-stage business owners across North Iowa. The program was developed with funding from a USDA Rural Business Development Grant, a program designed to support technical assistance, training and economic development for small rural businesses.
NIACC officials say Venture Launch Lab was created to fill a gap in local entrepreneurial support. While many business owners can find help testing an idea or writing a business plan, the new program focuses on the practical systems entrepreneurs need once they are ready to launch, operate and grow.
“Venture Launch Lab was intentionally designed to bridge the gap between business planning and business execution,” said Dr. Candi Karsjens, Executive Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at NIACC. “Entrepreneurs need more than an idea to succeed. They need strong systems, sound financial practices, effective marketing strategies, and a clear roadmap for growth. This program helps them build that foundation.”
The program guides participants through seven core areas: legal foundations, operations, human resources and leadership, marketing strategy, financial and tax essentials, strategy and growth, and funding.
Through expert-led instruction, practical tools, guided implementation and real-world application, participants work directly on their businesses while developing a clearer path forward.
The first Venture Launch Lab cohort brought together 11 businesses and 14 entrepreneurs from across North Iowa. The participants represented a variety of communities and industries, highlighting the role small businesses continue to play in the region’s rural economy.
Spring 2026 Venture Launch Lab participants included:
Beach Buddies, Sherri Stensrude and Bridget Herrick, Mason City
CaptuRE Recycling, Shaden Tweeten, Forest City
Cliff’s Place, Lauren Jepperson, Charles City
Georgette, Hallie Erdahl, Clear Lake
Grant Harvester, Caleb Renner, Forest City
Hertel Custom Builders, Jackson Hertel, Northwood
Mags & Lu Pet Services, Mary Jo Vrba, Mason City
SnapCache, Ryan Tostenson, Mason City
Stone Heritage, Cait Dillavou, Clear Lake
Swarty’s, Josh and Shawna Swartwood, Clear Lake
Swift Lift Logistics, Luke and Starr Benjamin, Clear Lake
The cohort completed the program with a pitch competition on Tuesday, June 2, 2026. Seven teams chose to compete before a panel of judges, with cash prizes awarded to several North Iowa entrepreneurs.
Beach Buddies, led by Sherri Stensrude and Bridget Herrick of Mason City, won first prize and received $1,000.
Stone Heritage, led by Cait Dillavou of Clear Lake, took second prize and received $750.
Cliff’s Place, led by Lauren Jepperson of Charles City, earned third prize and received $500.
Honorable mention awards of $250 each went to Grant Harvester, led by Caleb Renner of Forest City; CaptuRE Recycling, led by Shaden Tweeten of Forest City; Swarty’s, led by Josh and Shawna Swartwood of Clear Lake; and Georgette, led by Hallie Erdahl of Clear Lake.
The launch of Venture Launch Lab adds another tool to the region’s business development network at a time when rural communities are working to retain talent, encourage local ownership and create new economic opportunities close to home.
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center serves as North Iowa’s hub for new business starts, innovation and rural business success. Through programs like Venture Launch Lab, the center aims to help entrepreneurs build businesses that are not only ready to open, but prepared to last.
(PHOTOS, via NIACC: 1) VLL Competition 2026-01 – Sherri Stensrude, Lauren Jepperson, Bridget Herrick, Josh Swartwood, Cait Dillavou, Caleb Renner, Hallie Erdahl, Shaden Tweeten 2) VLL Competition 2026-02 – Lauren Jepperson, Sherri Stensrude, Bridget Herrick, Cait Dillavou)