Iowa student entrepreneurs shine at NIACC business competition.

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition on February 24; David Roman won first place with Onepack Systems and a $1,250 prize.

The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition on February 24 in Mason City. The event was presented in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and focused on helping students develop business models, pitching skills, and access to mentorship and funding. Seven students entered the semi-finals on February 23 by submitting business plans, and five advanced to the finals. Finalists presented pitches to a panel of judges as part of the event. Event details: - Date and place: Finals were held February 24 in Mason City, with semi-finals on February 23. - Partnership and funding: The event was held in partnership with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship and the Everyday Entrepreneur Program is funded by a NACCE grant. - Participation: Seven students submitted business plans for the semi-finals; five advanced to the final round. - Judges: The final pitches were evaluated by Brook Boehmler, Matt Curtis, and Caleb Renner. - Results: David Roman took first place with Onepack Systems and a $1,250 prize; Jordan Klooster placed second with Klooster Flaps; Jesse Fox placed third with Fox Brothers Urban Forestry. Summary: The competition highlighted student entrepreneurship and provided finalists with mentoring and funding opportunities through the Everyday Entrepreneur Program, supported by a NACCE grant. Undetermined at this time.