Entrepreneurship at Drake University

Applications are now live for all Iowa Startups!

Apply to this year’s InnoVenture Challenge for your chance to win $100,000 for your startup company! Applications will be accepted today through September 30th, 2024. If you’re looking for a little guidance, please join the InnoVenture Iowa team for a series of webinars focused on how to craft a winning application.

You’ll hear from past winners, semi-finalists, partner organizations and judges.

Clink on the link below for the workshop series!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/innoventure-challenge-application-workshop-series-tickets-1003517145797?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Congratulations to Rohey Sallah, owner of Bah K***a Kitchen, for winning the African Business Fair Pitch Competition hosted by One Voice DSM! Hosted in the Pappajohn Education and Event Center, Rohey took home a great experience and the top prize of $1000.

From starting as a home cooking business to now a licensed food processing establishment, vendor, and spice creator and seller in Iowa, your journey is truly remarkable. We’re excited to see your continued success unfold!

Global Entrepreneur Week Spotlight!

This is Joseph Sounda from Libreville, Gabon, a participant in the Mandela Fellowship!

Joseph is the founder of Creative Labs. Creative Labs is a user-friendly online printing service. Joseph’s vision is a one-stop shop for all things printing. A place where you can get a product designed, reviewed, and produced. Whether that product is invitation cards, flyers, catalogs, or graphic design work for private companies Creative Labs is the place!

Global Entrepreneur Week Spotlight!

This is Chenai Muswerakuenda from Harare, Zimbabwe, a participant in the Mandela Fellowship!

Currently Chenai is a lawyer who works with foreign investors to secure funding for projects such as agribusiness, property construction, and manufacturing. On the side, Chenai is developing a concept of an online optical eyewear and sunglasses business that focuses on the African market. A place that utilizes AR try-on tools, easy shipping, and affordable glasses. A great company in the making!

Global Entrepreneur Week Spotlight!

This is Amadu Ali Nabe from Conakry, Guinea, a participant in the Mandela Fellowship!

Amadu is the founder of Societe General du Development Durable. SGDD focuses on businesses and technology that are innovators in the field of environmental and economic challenges, specifically in West Africa. SGDD bridges these innovator companies with investors and ensures quality relationships that bring funding in a timely manner.

Global Entrepreneur Week Spotlight!

This is Abdoulie Conteh from Conteh, The Gambia, a participant in the Mandela Fellowship!

Abdoulie is the senior software engineer of Matrix Solutions, a software company. Matrix Solutions looks to take their customer’s needs and create software that adapts to them as well as the market. Abdoulie is also the founder of the Key Art Gallery, a nonprofit that promotes art and artistic expression The Gambia.

In Celebration of Global Entrepreneurship Week, we are taking a look at Jeannette Unutoniwase from the Drake Mandela Fellowship Cohort!

Founder: Inzira Dreamz Network

Mission: Empowering, Facilitating, and coaching youth and women leading to self-reliance and independence.

Jeannette’s business makes and sells pre and postpartum garments that combine fashion and science in her clothing. Jeannette believes that maternity clothing doesn’t have to be worn only during pregnancy, but can be made in a way that can be worn for years! All of her clothing is designed and hand-made in Rwanda.

Mandela Fellowship Spotlight!

This is Adaeze Menekpugi from Port Harcourt, Nigeria!

Adaeze is the cofounder of Omugwo.com.ng, an organization that provides professional caregivers for mothers, infants, and the elderly. Omugwo.com.ng provides a holistic care service to help mothers navigate postpartum care right after childbirth. They have plans to start a care training institute to not only expand their business but train professional caregivers on a larger scale. Visit them at Omugwo.com.ng!

Mandela Fellowship Spotlight!

This is Elijah Affi from Nigeria!

Elijah is the founder of the company Getly, a financial technology company that is creating borderless financial opportunities for Africans. Elijah saw the need for a universal money transferring service for the increasing number of Africans doing business globally, and is filling that need!

Mandela Fellowship Spotlight!

This is Felana Rajaonarivelo from Antananarivo, Madagascar!

Felana is the creator of the audiovisual company Fireflies. Fireflies works with national and international organization for making corporate reports and impactful films to highlight their projects all through a social impact lense. Be sure to check out some of her work at Fireflies mg on Youtube!

Mandela Fellowship Spotlight!

This is KB Gumbi from Lilongwe, Malawi!

KB is the founder of Nyali Muzik Studios, a company that is taking traditional corporate messaging and turning it into innovative communication rotted in creativity. Nyali Muzik Studios has built a pool of talented African artists in dance, music, and video and has created a company that effectively reaches youth and new audiences while simultaneously spotlighting African artists. Be sure to follow them on Facebook at Nyali Muzik and check out some of their work at Nyali Muzik on Youtube!