East Central Iowa News

DMACC Partners with University of Iowa’s Venture School; Des Moines Cohort Begins February 22

Deadline to apply is Sunday, Feb. 5

• The Venture School is being offered at hubs across the state of Iowa, and the Des Moines Spring cohort will run Feb. 22 through April 12; applications are being accepted through Feb. 5.
• Participants will be able to test and prove their business hypothesis through guided customer discovery for product-market fit.
• Participants will also compete in a final pitch for prize money at each hub.

DMACC, the largest undergraduate institution in Iowa, is partnering with the University of Iowa’s Venture School to offer entrepreneurial training in Des Moines.

The Venture School is focused on real-world experimentation, customer discovery and Lean LaunchPad methodologies. The program uses the official National Science Foundation I-Corps curriculum to help high-potential startups turn their ideas into reality.

“If you have an idea for a new business venture or an innovative product, or if you’re a current business owner looking to expand, the Venture School is a great opportunity to test your business hypothesis immediately and get meaningful feedback to inform your next steps,” said Jacki Boldt, Director of Business Support Services at DMACC. “As a participant, you will be challenged to create your own business model as you make pivots or preserve your original plans based on findings.

“The program is open to businesses across all industries, and will help you bring focus and agility to your business idea while also gaining valuable connections with local communities and external groups that will help you get the resources you need.”

The Venture School is being offered at hubs across the state of Iowa, and the Des Moines cohort is accepting applications for Spring through Feb. 5. Classes will be held from 5:30-9 p.m. every Wednesday evening beginning Feb. 22 through April 12 at the Pappajohn Higher Education Center in downtown Des Moines.

The cost to participate is $299; however, participants will also have the opportunity to compete in a final pitch for prize money at each hub.

To learn more and apply before the Feb. 5 deadline, visit venture-school.com.

With any questions, please email Jacki Boldt at jlboldt@dmacc.edu or Shannon Henderson at shannon-henderson@uiowa.edu.

Original source can be found here.