BVU Entrepreneurs Earn National and Statewide Recognition
Student teams advance to the e-Fest – Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge and the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition, strengthening the university’s reputation for innovation and competitiveness in business education.
Student entrepreneurs from Buena Vista University are earning significant recognition this spring, reinforcing the strength and rising competitiveness of the university’s School of Business and the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship.
Fuller Radiance LLC, led by Cody Fuller '25 with team members Puritie Smith '26, Alyssa Jordan '26, and Alexis Kuehl '27, will compete at the e-Fest – Schulze Entrepreneurship Challenge at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis from April 23–25. The national competition features 25 top teams competing for $250,000 in prizes, with an additional $5,000 Brand Builder Award open for public voting in early April.
Reflecting on his preparation, Cody shared, “The BVU entrepreneurial program has equipped me with incredible resources, hands-on coaching from Katherine Cota, and numerous pitch opportunities. After competing in several competitions, I’ve been focused on practicing and refining my pitch with different audiences to build confidence.”
In addition to the team’s success, Alyssa Jordan has been selected to pitch her business, Outskirts Acres, at the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition on April 10 in Des Moines, where she will compete for one of three $5,000 awards.
She added, “Through the BVU entrepreneurial program, I’ve gained hands-on experience and strong support. In preparing for this competition, I’ve focused on researching my competition, strengthening my pitch and financials, and practicing consistently so I’m confident and ready to answer judges’ questions.”
Together, these achievements highlight the growing impact of Buena Vista University’s entrepreneurship programs and position its students and faculty as increasingly competitive on both regional and national stages.