Students from Boone and Ogden High School were able to attend the first “Innovate U” event at the Iowa State University Research Park on Thursday, March 30. Students had the opportunity to practice and expand their entrepreneurial skills, collaborate with mentors from the business community, and present their own business plan.
The day began with a panel of local entrepreneurs who shared their journey to operating a successful small business. The panel included Shelby Smith with Gym-n-eat Crickets, Richard “Willie” Beeler with Beeler Lawn & Landscape, and Jenny Pollard with Life Distilled. Students were able to take notes, ask questions, and better understand what it takes to grow a business.
Students spent most of the day in groups working on their business plan that was chosen in a previous class. The business plan had to be something focused on improving their community or positively impact those who live locally. Each group was paired with a “mentor” from a local business who helped guide students as they were developing their business plan. A “working” lunch was provided from Pizza Ranch.
After finalizing their business plan, each group of students gave a presentation of their product in front of judges and their fellow classmates. Judges for the event included Peter Hong (ISU Pappajohn Center, Startup Factory Director), Abby Miller (AgCertain), and Susan Frantz (Fenceline Beer Lab). Groups were judged based on meeting their project criteria, presentation skills, and how they responded during the Q&A sessions. There were three winning teams, all who received prize bags provided by the Ames Chamber of Commerce.
Winners:
1. Cleat Clip
2. Ifish
3. Future Connect
Other Presentations: Boone County Rec Center & Solar Charge Case
A big thank you also goes out to the program facilitators, Lisa Irlbeck (Availa Bank), Nikki Fischer (Ames Chamber), Amy Bossard (Boone EDGE), Reed Smith (Ogden High School), Leah Locke (SBDC). We are looking forward to next year’s event!
