Iowa State Start Something College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Huge congratulations to our recent graduate, Beau Klaver, for earning the Republican nomination for Iowa House District 55!

Thank you to my friends, family, supporters, and everyone who voted yesterday! I am incredibly grateful and honored to have earned the Republican nomination for Iowa House District 55!

This would not have been possible without your support, and I truly appreciate everyone who helped make this victory possible!

Now let’s keep the momentum going to November!

Each year, Start Something CALS recognizes outstanding students who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and an entrepreneurial spirit 🌟

🏆 Murray Wise Award
Rewards high-achieving seniors in the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Initiative while supporting entrepreneurial ventures and career development in agriculture.

🏆 Ryan Pellett Family Award
Supports undergraduate students who demonstrate aptitude for and involvement in entrepreneurship.

🏆 Bob Jolly Entrepreneurship Award
Recognizes undergraduate students with exceptional interest, involvement, and potential in entrepreneurship.

🏆 Brian Carr Award
Presented to Iowa State students who embody an entrepreneurial spirit, a “figure-it-out” mindset, and a commitment to serving others above themselves.

Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients and thank you to those who continue to support the next generation of entrepreneurs 🚀

From everyone at Start Something CALS, we want to congratulate the Iowa State University Class of 2026 on all of your incredible achievements!

Thank you for your leadership, determination, innovation, and the energy you’ve brought to Iowa State. Once a Cyclone, always a Cyclone ❤️💛🌪️

Congratulations, Class of 2026!

The Start Something CALS Winternship Program is a 5-day, hands-on work experience that connects students with startups and entrepreneurs during winter break ❄️💡

Through the program, students have the opportunity to:
✨ Gain real-world experience working on innovative projects
✨ Connect with entrepreneurs and startup teams
✨ Explore agricultural business development and innovation
✨ Build professional skills through hands-on learning experiences

Thank you to the students, entrepreneurs, and partners who make the Winternship Program such a valuable experience each year 🚀

Entrepreneurship in Agriculture gives students the opportunity to turn innovative ideas into real business concepts 🌱💡

Through ECON 3340, students develop startup business plans while gaining hands-on experience in entrepreneurship and agricultural innovation. The course culminates in a final pitch event where students present their ideas and solutions.

✨ Develop and refine a startup business plan
✨ Gain experience in entrepreneurship and innovation
✨ Build presentation and pitching skills
✨ Explore creative solutions in agriculture and business

Thank you to the students, faculty, and mentors who make this experience impactful each year 🚀

Start Something CALS Experiential Internships provide students with structured, hands-on learning experiences that support both professional growth and real-world skill development 🌟

Through these opportunities, students can:
✨ Gain valuable experience outside the classroom
✨ Apply knowledge in real-world professional settings
✨ Build connections with industry professionals and mentors
✨ Develop skills that prepare them for future careers

Thank you to everyone who helps make these experiential learning opportunities impactful for our students each year 🚀

The Change-Maker Academy is a year-long extracurricular program that helps students cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, gain professional mentorship, and explore innovation in agriculture 🌱💡

Participants have the opportunity to:
✨ Develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills
✨ Learn from experienced mentors and industry professionals
✨ Explore innovation and creative problem-solving in agriculture
✨ Connect with other students passionate about making an impact

Thank you to everyone who helps make the Change-Maker Academy such an inspiring community for future innovators and leaders 🚀

The Rural Entrepreneurship Academy is a part-time summer program designed to support students who aspire to start a business or farm in a rural community 🌾💡

Participants receive:
✨ A structured program focused on building and developing their ideas
✨ Mentorship and guidance from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals
✨ Opportunities to connect with other students passionate about rural innovation
✨ Support in turning business and farm ideas into real-world impact

Ready to grow your idea this summer? 🚀
Sign up here: https://iastate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6u1952SufYkyFmK

The Start Something CALS Incubator provides resources, support, and community for aspiring student entrepreneurs. 🌱💡

Throughout the year, students had the opportunity to:
✨ Gain experience navigating real business challenges
✨ Learn from experienced innovators and entrepreneurs
✨ Collaborate with fellow student founders, share ideas, and receive feedback
✨ Access workspace, funding opportunities, networking events, and more

Thank you to everyone who helped make the Incubator such an inspiring community this year. We can’t wait to see what these entrepreneurs do next 🚀

Innovation. Entrepreneurship. Community. 🌾

Wednesday, May 6th marked our annual Start Something CALS Awards Night, where we celebrated the students and supporters helping shape the future of entrepreneurship at Iowa State. From scholarship awards to networking with companies and recognizing student achievements, it was an evening full of meaningful connections and well-deserved recognition.

Congratulations to all of our award winners, and a HUGE thank you to everyone who attended Awards Night and helps make entrepreneurship at Iowa State possible!