Our mentors are skilled business leaders and experts in their field. Mentors provide insight as a team to our ventures.

Team meetings are held via Zoom as our mentors are spread across the United States. Mentors are welcome to meet team members in-person if schedules allow.

Successful mentor applicants typically have been in the field seven to 10 years and demonstrate exceptional skill and business acumen. Mentors also should have some previous engagement with the University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and/or the University of Iowa. 

Mentors are accepted by referral on a rolling, as-needed basis. Referrals to the Venture Mentoring Service come from many sources including community members, people involved in JPEC programs, fellow mentors, or the venture teams. Applications will be reviewed by Venture Mentoring Service staff.

We appreciate our volunteer mentors who share their time and talents with Iowa VMS.