2024 CYstarters

Four business students accepted into the ninth CYstarters class

About CYstarters

CYstarters is an 11-week intensive program providing mentorship, funding, and resources to turn students’ entrepreneurial aspirations into reality. It is coordinated through the Iowa State University Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship. During the program, students are paid interns for their own startup company or business venture idea.

Alana Corwin, a junior in entrepreneurship and founder of Apricity, a mental health workbook and app, said, “CYstarters is the perfect opportunity not only to learn more about my business and how to grow but is also one of the best places to learn and connect with others. Meeting the rest of the cohort, connecting with mentors, and learning from each other is one of the most helpful pieces of this program.”

While interning for their business ventures, students apply their entrepreneurial and business learning outside the classroom to their projects throughout the summer. The program gives students the platform to further explore the idea of entrepreneurship while equipping participants with as much real-world experience as a traditional internship.

“CYstarters has given me the opportunity to learn more and grow in all aspects of entrepreneurship, not just sales,” said Kaden Bowie, a senior in management and founder of VickSum Pay, an independent payment processing company.

Giving students the resources, accountability, and education needed, CYstarters pushes these startups to grow to the next level. Each week the business owners meet members of the Pappajohn Center team to ensure they are staying on track and education sessions are held regularly to equip the students with new skills. CYstarters provides an office environment so each business owner has a space to focus on growing their business and money to invest in the growth of their own business.

Grant Veenstra, a senior in finance and co-founder of Frozen Gains, a nutrient-rich ice cream alternative to protein shakes, said, “CYstarters has been such a great opportunity as it has provided great resources and connections that would be nearly impossible to have without involvement in the program. The program is extremely well run with people who genuinely want to help you reach your goals.”

Andrew Walton, a junior majoring in entrepreneurship, marketing, and finance, founded Morbid Living, a dark humor card game in which players try to win at life by performing illegal activities. Walton said, “CYstarters is an amazing opportunity to learn from the people at the Pappajohn Center and work alongside 15 other small business owners. Everyone in the cohort helps each other out, and we’re able to tackle problems way quicker than we could on our own. I’m looking forward to learning everything I can about my peers’ businesses and helping them grow with me.”

Cohort nine of CYstarters includes members from all the undergraduate colleges at Iowa State. Students bring their strengths and classroom education to collaborate and ensure each business venture succeeds.

More about CYstarters and how to get involved

Who is eligible for CYstarters?

• Currently-enrolled Iowa State University undergraduate and graduate students.
• Iowa State students who have graduated within the last six months.
• Students of any major or classification.
• Part-time or full-time Iowa State students.
• Individuals or student teams.
• All ventures are welcome regardless of industry or stage.

What can you expect?

• Learn and grow from educational sessions on topics including customer discovery, marketing, entrepreneurial finance, and more.
• Opportunities to practice and refine your business pitch in front of the right audience to further your startup’s momentum.
• Engage with the Ames entrepreneurial ecosystem through specially hosted networking events.
• Weekly accountability meetings with Pappajohn Center staff, advisors, and mentors.
• Funding for your startup: $6,500 for individuals or $13,000 per student team.

When does it start and end?

CYstarters is an 11-week program that normally runs from mid-May to the end of July.

Read more about the 2024 CYstarters cohort.

July 8, 2024