The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers Release Progress Report

Mason City, IA – Sept. 16, 2011 - The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers of Iowa released a progress report for business development, education and program participation for 2010/11. Continuing to build on the program’s long history working with entrepreneurs, the Pappajohn Centers have accelerated efforts to help businesses get started, grow, add jobs and create value. The centers have had success over the past 15 years since they were founded through the initial gifts of John G. Pappajohn. His vision and enthusiasm for helping new businesses get started and grow, led to his 15 year commitment and millions of dollars in support.

There are five Pappajohn Centers in Iowa. They are located at North Iowa Area Community College, the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and Drake University. 

As the economy of the state and nation has been experiencing difficulty, much has been written about the need for new business development and growth. The Pappajohn Centers  have continued to steadfastly educate and support new business development and growth of existing businesses. The metrics that are presented below are strong evidence of their effectiveness.           

Following are the statistics reported from the five centers both for this past year, ending June 30, 2011 and historical data since inception. The pace of the work has increased and the results continue to demonstrate the value of the contribution John Pappajohn has made to Iowa and it validates his vision in supporting entrepreneurship and new business development as one leg on the tool of economic development.

New Business Activity: July 2010 through June 2011
(APPROXIMATE NUMBERS OBTAINED FROM CENTERS)

For more information contact Jamie T. Zanios, Vice President North Iowa Area Community College.

The national NACCE Innovation Award winning NIACC JPEC provides college level courses and degree programs in entrepreneurship, as well as comprehensive consulting services for business start-ups, existing industries and owner transitions in the North Iowa region.   Space is available for start-up businesses in the North Iowa Business Incubator. For more information, contact the NIACC JPEC at 641-422-4111.

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