Start Something at Ivy
Your ideas can change the world
From starting your own business to marketing your own product to leading a group of innovative thinkers, Start Something is how you can, well, start anything you want.
At Iowa State, you have many entrepreneurial opportunities: a major, minor, online certificate, master’s, and PhD. These programs are all supported by an innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem that includes the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, the Student Innovation Center, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Iowa State University Research Park, and the Ivy College of Business.
Your opportunities in entrepreneurship are endless. You may choose to start your own business, hire employees, and become the engine of our economy. If you don’t want to start something, that’s OK! Use your entrepreneurial skills and join a startup, small business, large corporation, or non-profit organization. Entrepreneurial students fit in anywhere. We’re here to help guide and support you as you explore your options.
Create your own educational experience where innovation is nurtured. Through Iowa State’s Start Something network, you can find academic opportunities, all fostering innovation or entrepreneurship in your favorite area of study, which range from credit-earning coursework to capstone projects to internships.
We have a long history of supporting entrepreneurs at the Ivy College of Business. It’s at the heart of what we do here.
Choose the university ranked #14 for undergraduate entrepreneurship programs by The Princeton Review. That makes us #6 in the Midwest and #1 in Iowa!
Explore entrepreneurship at Ivy
Everything you need to explore the world of entrepreneurship, can be found here at Ivy, including world-class academic programs. Here, you have the full support of our professional career coordinators, advising staff, and internationally-known faculty who conduct high quality research.
Bring out your inner innovator
Friends since elementary school, Collin Gauck and Jacob Kautman demonstrated entrepreneurial tendencies early on. As an eighth grader, Gauck hired out his video-gaming skills to help players complete certain levels and obtain gear for their in-game characters. Jacob also had a video game-based venture and did day trading.
Working with an idea they had in high school, the two shaped Campus Town Trading in CYstarters, the entrepreneur accelerator program that is one component of Iowa State’s “Start Something” network, which provides Iowa State students with the support and resources designed to help them nurture their ideas and bring out their inner innovator and entrepreneur.
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CYstarters
CYstarters is an 11-week summer accelerator for Iowa State University students or recent graduates. Here, you will meet mentors, content educators, and professional service providers and focus on your startup or business idea. You will share co-working space with team members, and access many resources to help get your venture launched.
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Start Something
Create your own educational experience where innovation is nurtured. Through Iowa State’s Start Something network, you can find academic opportunities, all fostering innovation or entrepreneurship in your favorite area of study, which range from credit-earning coursework to capstone projects to internships.
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CyBIZ Lab
Set yourself up for success by getting real-world experience at CyBIZ Lab. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, you will collaborate with other students to help real businesses find solutions. Projects include market research, market validation, business planning, and other business needs. As a student, you’ll gain valuable experience and grow your leadership skills.
