The Iowa Tech podcast, hosted by Micah Walker, features a conversation with Megan, the program director of the Cystarters business accelerator at Iowa State University. The podcast aims to provide insights into the Cystarters program and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem at Iowa State.
Megan shares her journey into entrepreneurship, which began as a student at Iowa State, majoring in marketing and supply chain with a minor in entrepreneurship. She was part of the first cohort of Cystarters, where she launched her business, Home Sweet College Home, an e-commerce platform offering care packages with local and small business products for college students. The program provided her with the necessary support, funding, and confidence to start her business. After her business plateaued in 2019, she returned to Iowa State and joined the Papa John Center for Entrepreneurship.
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The Cystarters program is an 11-week summer accelerator that encourages students to intern for their own companies instead of pursuing traditional internships. Participants receive stipends, mentorship, and access to co-working spaces, culminating in a Demo Day to showcase their progress.
Megan emphasizes the importance of customer discovery in entrepreneurship, sharing personal anecdotes and offering advice to student entrepreneurs. She highlights the diverse and innovative nature of the student ecosystem at Iowa State, supported by the university’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship.
In addition to Cystarters, the Papa John Center offers various programs and events throughout the year, such as pitch competitions and workshops, to support student entrepreneurship. Megan’s personal entrepreneurial journey continues as she launches a flower farm, showcasing her passion for business and innovation.