Moo’s Bakery: A JPEC Case Study
The University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (UNI JPEC) empowers and supports entrepreneurs and innovators at UNI throughout Iowa. They serve as a centralized hub where Iowa entrepreneurs can find resources, explore programs, collaborate with peers and the community, and develop new or existing ventures. Maddie Palmersheim took advantage of the program when she was going to school at UNI, with the dream of graduating and going directly into operating her own business.
Jumpstarting her entrepreneurship journey
To jumpstart her dream, Palmersheim reached out to the UNI JPEC and joined the UNI Entrepreneurs Club which provided a smooth and organic introduction to the center. In her freshman year, Palmersheim witnessed student entrepreneurs utilizing their office space to work on and grow their projects which ignited a spark within her. Palmersheim gradually built relationships with peers in the Entrepreneurs Club which eventually translated over to tenants and advisors at the JPEC. Additionally, she got involved in activities like pitch competitions, club trips, networking events, check-in Fridays, and supplemental JPEC-sponsored programs which helped create a space for her in the on-campus community. When she started working on her first business in 2019, securing an office space was a natural next step.
“The JPEC feels like a hidden gem on campus, the students who take advantage of this incredible resource will reap the benefits forever.” –Maddie Palmersheim
Maddie discovered a helping hand at UNI
The UNI JPEC provided Palmersheim with 1:1 business mentoring, preparation for and involvement in pitch competitions, free office space with 24/7 access, an organic introduction to the off-campus Cedar Valley business community, and a judgment-free space to grow as an individual. Additionally, the JPEC staff provided Palmersheim with meaningful, life-long relationships giving interest to her personal life and business life, consistently checking in on her highs and lows of being an entrepreneur and a person.
"Mooving" into the next phase of business
After graduation in 2021, Palmersheim took on a position as a program associate at the center. While working with the JPEC, she continued to learn about entrepreneurship and her capabilities as an entrepreneur. Maddie is now full-time with Moo's Bakery, setting up shop on College Hill in Cedar Falls.
She continues to have support from the UNI JPEC, which supports all industries and sizes of small businesses in the Cedar Valley. If you're a student on campus, come visit the JPEC in UNI's Business & Community Services building. If you're a community member, schedule a meeting with our free consulting service or find our online resources.
Learn more about the UNI JPEC at jpec.uni.edu.