The University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (Iowa JPEC) wrapped up its statewide Venture School fall program the week of Nov. 11, awarding $11,300 in prize money to budding entrepreneurs who showcased innovative business ideas during final pitch sessions.
Top honors went to three standout ventures: Musa’s Lemonade, founded by Ahmed Musa of Des Moines; Ampersand Legal, PLLC, led by Mackensie Graham of Iowa City/Cedar Rapids; and CaptuRE Recycling, created by Shaden Tweeten of Mason City.
These winners emerged from a competitive cohort of entrepreneurs participating in the seven-week Venture School program, which is designed to foster entrepreneurial growth through real-world experimentation, customer discovery, and Lean LaunchPad methodologies.
Winners in the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids cohort include:
- First place and $2,000 went to Amersand Legal, PLLC, presented by Mackensie Graham
- Second place and $1,500 went to Spicika, presented by Malaz Elgemiabby and Karim Dousa
- Third place and $1,000 went to Auracle Board, presented by Erica Miller
- Best MVP and $500 went to Dripple LLC, presented by Victor Kariuki
About Venture School
Venture School, a flagship program of Iowa JPEC, operates across hub locations in Des Moines, Dubuque, Iowa City, Mason City, Sioux City, and the Quad-Cities.
The program is supported by the University of Iowa Small Business Development Center, Eastern Iowa Community College, North Iowa Area Community College, Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa’s West Coast Initiative, and The Innovation Lab Dubuque.
By emphasizing hands-on learning, Venture School equips participants with the tools to refine their ideas, engage with customers, and develop sustainable business models.
The program is set to return in the spring, with new cohorts expected to begin in late February.
