A unique opportunity for student entrepreneurs is on the horizon as the Iowa State Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship gears up for its CYstarters Summer Program. This summer accelerator program is designed to nurture and accelerate students’ entrepreneurial skills, offering a platform for them to turn their business ideas into successful ventures. The program, set to kick off after classes conclude in May and run through July, recently held an informational session via Zoom to provide insight into what participants can expect.
Megan Graettinger, the assistant director of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, emphasized the program’s objective – to provide students with a firsthand experience of what it takes to be the founder of a business. Drawing from her own experience as a former participant in CYstarters during her time as a student at Iowa State, Graettinger shared the challenges she faced when transitioning to working full-time on her business. She highlighted the importance of understanding the complexities of being one’s own boss, a hurdle that many budding entrepreneurs encounter.
During the session, Graettinger shed light on the structure of the program, which includes a commitment of 30 hours per week from students in exchange for a stipend. The immersive experience involves daily educational sessions covering a wide range of topics, from alumni panels to mentorship preparation, and insights on venture capital, among others. The holistic approach aims to equip students with the necessary tools, knowledge, and support to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape effectively.
One of the aspiring participants, Carlos Ocasio, a first-year graduate student with a passion for industrial design, expressed his excitement about the prospects of CYstarters. For Ocasio, the program presents an opportunity to bring his innovative ideas to life and make a positive impact on the world through his creations. His journey into entrepreneurship was sparked by a desire to explore his creative potential and transform his visions into tangible products that can benefit society.
Ocasio’s enthusiasm for the program is palpable, reflecting the sentiment shared by many students eager to delve into the realm of entrepreneurship. With a background in industrial design and a keen interest in invention, Ocasio views CYstarters as a platform to incubate his business ideas and propel them to success. His entrepreneurial spirit, coupled with the resources and mentorship offered by the program, positions him to take the next step in realizing his dreams of establishing a thriving business.
As CYstarters celebrates its 10th year, the program boasts a robust alumni network, with 75% of past participants still actively engaged in running their businesses. Graettinger highlighted the long-term impact of the program, emphasizing how it has empowered individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial goals and contribute to the business community. The success stories of alumni serve as a testament to the program’s effectiveness in fostering innovation, resilience, and growth among aspiring entrepreneurs.
For those interested in joining the upcoming cohort of CYstarters, applications are open until midnight on March 16. To learn more about the program, its benefits, and the application process, prospective participants are encouraged to visit the CYstarters website. Don’t miss this chance to accelerate your entrepreneurial journey and bring your business ideas to fruition with the support of a dynamic and enriching program.
