(Wahpeton)– 32 students from five of Iowa’s colleges and universities will attend this year’s Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute.
Officials with the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation, which puts on the event each year, says this year’s institute will be held August 5th-10th at Lakeside Lab on West Lake Okoboji.
In addition to the corridor, the institute is also backed by the Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, Buena Vista University and Iowa Lakes Community College.
Students will work in teams on a computer-based simulation that incorporates the creation and operation of a new business, along with presenting their plans to community volunteer venture capitalists.
Keynote speakers will include Spirit Lake native, Tom Bedell; Gary Smith, President of the American Popcorn Company; and Dawn Ainger, President and CEO of Genova Technologies.
Students will also again this year by involved in a community service project through the Special Youth Challenge, a non-profit group that teaches and assists with disabilities to participate and enjoy shooting sports.
Students will also visit 8 local companies as part of the program.
The marks the 6th annual year for the Okboji Entrepreneurial Institute.
