Two Central College students participated in the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurship competition held at Drake University in early April. 

Representing Central were Class of 2026 business management major and Spanish minor North Lindell from Ottumwa and Class of 2024 business management major and entrepreneurship minor Kami Sickels from Des Moines.

The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition contest encourages and promotes entrepreneurial activity and creates greater awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs in Iowa. On presentation day, guest speakers and workshops were held for students to network and gain experience.

Lindell participated in the pitch competition and attended the “Design Dash,” a group-based simulation exercise to develop business solutions for rural manufacturers. Sickels is completing an experiential internship this semester running her own social media agency. To help advance her small business, she participated in networking sessions as well as seminars on generative AI, entrepreneurial well-being, and financial modeling.

Lecturer of accounting Matthew Sutter serves as the faculty advisor. Central offers a minor in entrepreneurship.