OEI: An unmatched opportunity

Every August, the Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute (OEI) brings 32 of the sharpest entrepreneurial minds from five of Iowa’s higher education institutions – Buena Vista University, Iowa Lakes Community College, Iowa State University, University of Iowa and University of Northern Iowa – to the Iowa Lakes region for a long weekend, college credit course that is unmatched by any other program in the state.

Speakers, Panels & Mentoring

The OEI class is exposed to speakers and panels of successful business owners, community members, and past OEI alumni. The schedule gives students opportunities to learn about a variety of topics including marketing, how to manage a startup and education at the same time, and resources for startups. Students will also have a chance to work with mentors to specifically get advice and assistance in areas of need for their business plans.

Networking and connecting

Speakers and mentoring opportunities are only half of what OEI offers students. The other half is exposure to successful business owners and entrepreneurs who live in the Iowa Lakes region. Through nightly events, connections made with host families and a business visit, students’ networks grow exponentially at OEI.

Countless mentor and personal relationships have been created thanks to the OEI experience. Some OEI alumni have even secured investments – for their real startups – from people they established relationships with during OEI.

Only in Okoboji

Nobody can visit Okoboji without spending time on the lakes. Students’ schedules are designed to give them a taste of the “lake life.” Activities include boating, tubing, riding jet skis, swimming and simply relaxing in the sun on the beautiful beaches of Okoboji. Many of the nightly events are held at the beautiful lakeside homes of area entrepreneurs.

There’s no shortage of fun to be had during OEI!

Community support for OEI

Since its founding in 2006 by a core group of Okoboji entrepreneurs, OEI has received tremendous community support. The program is funded by sponsors both local and across the state of Iowa. OEI would also not be possible without the many volunteers who give their time as host families, student mentors and evening event hosts.