On August 22, 2024, Billie Asmus, founder of Repaint Studios, won first place at the 19th annual John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, held at Iowa State University in Ames. Competing against over 30 submissions, Asmus impressed the judges with her innovative and eco-friendly painting supplies, earning a $40,000 prize. Her flagship product, the Repaint Tray, is a reusable silicone paint tray liner and lid that replaces traditional single-use plastic trays, helping to reduce environmental waste in the home improvement industry.

Asmus, a Hampton, IA native, shared her journey through the competition, explaining, “This was my third year entering the Pappajohn Venture Competition. I promised myself that I would keep entering until I won.” Her persistence paid off, as she advanced from not making it past the first round in year one to an honorable mention in year two, and now, finally, taking home the first-place award.

The event began with a tribute to the late John and Mary Pappajohn, celebrating their lasting impact on entrepreneurship in Iowa through the Pappajohn Centers. Since 2006, the competition, supported by the Iowa Economic Development Authority, has invested over $1.3 million into Iowa businesses.

The 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, in partnership with North Iowa’s Small Business Development Center, continues to be a leader in supporting local entrepreneurs. For more information or assistance with your business, contact the 51ÁÔÆæ Pappajohn Center at 641-422-4111 or pappajohn@niacc.edu.

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From June 3-7, the 51ÁÔÆæ John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the 2024 Youth Entrepreneurial Academy (YEA), a dynamic camp fostering the entrepreneurial spirit among North Iowa high school students. Sponsored by the John K. and Luise V. Hanson Foundation, this free one-week academic camp welcomed 11 ambitious students and each were awarded a $500 51ÁÔÆæ scholarship.

Throughout the week, participants delved into creating business model canvases, networking with local entrepreneurs, and honing essential business skills. The program culminated on June 11, when students pitched their innovative ideas to a panel of judges, competing for $2,400 in cash prices.

This year’s winners were:

Top Prizes ($500 each):

Dessa Kiwacz (Mason City High School) and Reese Harrold (Mason City High School), AdVersa – $500 prize

Casey Schilling(Garner-Hayfield-Ventura High School), K2 Enterprises – $500 prize

Chase Sorsenson(Forest City High School), SubZero – $500 prize

Honorable Mentions:

Brisa Argueta-Trujillo(Mason City High School), Frosted Home Baked Goods – $250 prize

Fernanda Ramirez (West Fork High School), Ramirez Sister Renovations – $250 prize

Ian Carolus (Mason City High School), River City Retro – $100 prize

Isabella Garner (Newman Catholic High School), Jeweled Stitches Crochet & Jewelry – $100 prize

Moon Gay (Mason City Alternative School), The Kitty Corner – $100 prize

Brendan Walker (West Fork High School), Jacket Ink Games – $100 prize

The Youth Entrepreneurial Academy, directed by Kelley O’Rourke and facilitated by Ashley Page, featured guest speakers including local business leaders and 51ÁÔÆæ staff, providing invaluable insights and inspiration. This enriching experience not only ignited students’ entrepreneurial ambitions but also equipped them with the skills to transform their ideas into reality.

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