Description

Join Greater Iowa City, Inc. and the University of Iowa's John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center to connect with women in business, enjoy lunch, and gain insights from funding professionals!

This event is free, but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Your lunch is not guaranteed if you do not register by 12pm on Friday, April 25th. 

Be a part of an empowering Women's Entrepreneurial Lunch, where we will explore various ways business owners can access funding within our community. This event brings together a group of knowledgeable experts to share their insights and help you unlock opportunities for your business growth. Our panel will cover a range of funding options, including advice on pitch competitions, securing loans, and navigating grants. Whether you’re looking to expand your business, start a new venture, or simply gain a better understanding of funding opportunities, this lunch will provide you with valuable tools and knowledge to take your business to the next level. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and grow! 

Presenters

Shannon Henderson - John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center

Shannon Henderson is the economic development manager at the University of Iowa’s John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, where she focuses on statewide partner engagement and partnership development. Previously, she served as the constituent relations coordinator at the Tippie College of Business, organizing events for faculty, staff, donors, and community leaders. A 2005 graduate of Mississippi University for Women with a degree in food science, she also brings a decade of experience in the food industry.

Ellie Moore - Community Foundation of Johnson County

Ellie Moore serves as the Vice President of Community Impact & Outreach at the Community Foundation of Johnson County (CFJC), where she leads efforts in grantmaking and community engagement to support local nonprofits and address community needs. With a deep commitment to philanthropy, Ellie has been instrumental in initiatives such as developing diversity, equity, and inclusion training programs for nonprofits  and collaborating on grant programs to support underrepresented businesses . Her dedication to fostering community connections and enhancing nonprofit resources underscores her passion for serving both local and global communities. 

Melissa Silver - KIVA Lending

Melissa Silver is the Director of Student Services at DeltaV Code School, part of The New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative (NewBoCo) in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Since April 2022, she has managed the complete student experience, from application to graduation, focusing on connecting students with resources and employment opportunities. Previously, Melissa held roles at Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation and Career Connections/Goodwill of the Heartland, and she earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Government from the University of Iowa.

Mikayla Mooney - Ag Startup Engine

Mikayla Mooney is a partner at Ag Startup Engine, where she supports early-stage agricultural technology startups through funding and mentorship. She is the co-founder of KinoSol, a social enterprise focused on reducing post-harvest food loss with solar-powered dehydration solutions. Mikayla holds degrees in Global Resource Systems and Public Service and Administration in Agriculture from Iowa State University. Her experience with her startup and fundraising journey—along with her insights into grants, pitch strategy, nonprofit collaboration, and opportunities in food, ag, and biotech.

Nick Westergaard - Tippie College of Business

Nick Westergaard is an Associate Professor of Practice at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, where he leads the Story Lab program and hosts the Tippie Leads podcast. A sought-after keynote speaker, author, and brand strategist, Nick helps leaders and marketers harness the power of story to better connect with their audiences. He’s the author of Brand Now and Get Scrappy, host of the On Brand podcast, a Moth StorySLAM Champion, and a contributor to the Harvard Business Review. During this lunch, Nick will share best practices for pitch competitions, storytelling, and how to effectively pitch your business. 

Can't make it to this lunch? No worries! Our next lunches are: August 1st and November 7th