The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the University of Iowa Venture School Launch Day competition for its spring cohort on March 26. Seven teams pitched their ideas to a panel of judges after attending virtual classes on customer discovery and developing their business model alongside local entrepreneur coaches. Four top prizes were awarded:
First prize ($1,500) – Swift Lift Logistics, Luke and Starr Benjamin, Clear Lake:
Swift Lift Logistics serves north Iowa by coordinating small-scale moves and senior living transitions.
Second prize ($1,250) – SnapCache, Luke Tostenson, Mason City: SnapCache LLC digitizes VHS tapes, photos, slides, negatives and film reels for families across north Iowa and southern Minnesota.
Third prize ($750) – Let Them Smile, Brima and Michaella Caulker, Mason City: Let Them Smile provides personalized home care that supports independence and dignity.
Best nonprofit prize ($500) – Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce Marketing Studio, Libbey Hohn, Maddie Anderly, and Stacy Doughan, Clear Lake: The Clear Lake Chamber Marketing Studio is a member-exclusive, package-based service that provides local businesses with clear marketing strategy and hands-on execution tailored to their goals.