2019 Student Incubator Program

The Student Incubator Program offers students the early resources required for starting and building a business. Dave Krog, Start Something-Ag Entrepreneur in Residence, and Joe Riley, entrepreneurial business leader, serve as mentors for the group. Cohort members encourage, support, and learn from each other during this year-long course.

Mikayla Sullivan - Alumni Spotlight

Mikayla Sullivan (’17 Global Resource Systems, Public Service and Administration in Agriculture) doesn’t sit still for long. From starting her own company, KinoSol, as a sophomore in college, to traveling the world with her business, this inspiring entrepreneur has accomplished more in her twenty-four years of life than many do in a lifetime.

Steven Brockshus - Alumni Spotlight

Steven Brockshus (’17 Agricultural Education and Entrepreneurial Studies) is no stranger to hard work. Growing up on a 5^th generation dairy farm, he spent his afternoons feeding calves after school and his weekends milking cows in the parlor. During the busy spring and fall seasons, he and his brothers would occasionally get to skip school to help with field work. An active 4-H and FFA member, he spent his free time prepping his show chickens, cows, and 4-H projects for the county fair.

Elizabeth Hoppe - Alumni Spotlight

Elizabeth Hoppe (’13 Finance and Marketing) spends most of her days in a coffee shop. And no, she isn’t blogging, studying, or catching up with a friend. Rather, she is catching up with many friends, new and old, as the co-owner of DejaBrew in Emmetsburg. Hoppe and her husband, Colin, recently opened their second DejaBrew in Spencer, Iowa. But this impressive young businesswoman wasn’t always so entrepreneurial-minded.

Rural Entrepreneurship Academy

Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) offered a new pilot program during the summer of 2019. This part-time program, the Rural Entrepreneurship Academy, was geared towards students who were interested in opening a business or farm in a rural setting. Those participating in the program dedicated 5 to 10 hours per week on a quest to turn their business idea into a successful reality.