Iowa State students can learn today what it takes to succeed as an entrepreneur and how to pass on their knowledge to youths across Iowa.

ISU’s Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, along with the Center for Advanced Technology Development, are holding a bi-monthly Entrepreneur Forum at noon in Room 257 of Applied Sciences Complex II.

The forum’s guest speaker will be Jerry Handsacker, president and founder of Innovative Lighting Corporation in Algona. Handsacker also is creator of the PowerLight, a unique motorized boat light.

According to a press release, Handsacker will discuss his experiences with patents, start-up capital, begin a new business and build an international company.

Judi Nielsen, assistant outreach director of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship, said guest speakers in the past have focused on investments, sales and marketing. She added that forums can be helpful in learning about entrepreneurship.

“The best way for an entrepreneur to start a business is to talk with others in a discussion-oriented format. The Entrepreneur Forum allows this to happen,” Nielsen said.

Jeff Vallier, president of Pefftronics, a business which makes musical equipment, said the forums are informative and beneficial.

“I’ve been attending the forums for five years. They are very helpful as an entrepreneur,” Vallier said. “You learn firsthand experiences on how to run a company and make it through the first rough years.”

The Pappajohn Center also is teaming with the Iowa Agricultural Development Authority to encourage ISU students to apply as counselors for the 1998 Young Iowans Entrepreneur Camp.

The camp teaches Iowa high school students who are interested in agriculture, business, engineering, veterinary medicine or science and technology about operating and owning a business, according to a press release.

Nielsen said being a counselor is a fun learning and leadership opportunity as well as a chance to earn money.

“Past counselors have told me it was the best experience they have ever had,” Nielsen said in a press release.

Renee Sievers, sophomore in marketing and a counselor for last year’s camp, said the students made her experience worthwhile.

“Being a counselor was a fun, new experience,” Sievers said. “It was great working with and guiding the high school students. It is great to have them look up to you.”

The camp will be held on campus this summer from July 12 to July 17, and applications should be turned in to the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship by noon on Jan. 28. Interviews will be held Feb. 3-6.