The Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute

At the Okoboji Entrepreneurship Institute, students participate in advanced study of entrepreneurship that includes an entrepreneurial simulation; seminars with successful entrepreneurs, business, and community leaders; networking and mentoring to enhance their understanding of entrepreneurship opportunities in Iowa; and a little bit of fun, too. The college credit institute is a joint effort of the State Board of Regents, the Iowa Department of Economic Development, the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation Eight budding entrepreneurs from each of the state Universities, the University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa, plus students from Buena Vista University & Iowa Lakes Community College will work in teams on a computer-based simulation that incorporates the creation and operation of a new business and a fundraising round where teams have to present their plans to community venture capitalists to acquire capital to fuel growth for their simulated businesses. Residents of the Great Lakes area open their homes to host the 32 students during the week-long event, providing students with a full quality of life experience in the region. http://www.iowajpec.org/okoboji/