Buena Vista University announces the relocation of the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship to the first floor of Grand Hall.
According to a BVU news release, the relocation is made possible by an anonymous two-million-dollar gift. This move will provide a larger, enhanced space, offering BVU students, faculty, and the Storm Lake community direct access to resources and support as they develop entrepreneurial skills and launch their own ventures.
Currently housed at The Foundry in downtown Storm Lake, the LCRE’s new location will feature expanded facilities, including small conference rooms, coworking areas, and incubator and accelerator spaces designed to foster innovation and business growth. The Lamberti Den, located within the center, will serve as a dynamic gathering space for brainstorming and networking. Additionally, the new location offers convenient off-street parking and a fully accessible building to better serve students and community members.
“This move is critical for BVU to better serve our students and community,” said BVU President Brian A. Lenzmeier, Ph.D. “With expanded space, we can offer more programming and resources in an accessible location, further strengthening our support for aspiring entrepreneurs in Northwest Iowa.”
Beyond its expanded physical space, the LCRE will continue offering specialized programming to support entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. The Launch Lab will provide individualized start-up coaching, while the Quick Start Workshop Series will equip participants with practical steps to turn ideas into viable ventures. Aspiring entrepreneurs can showcase their business concepts in the Lamberti Pitch Competition, gain insights from industry leaders through guest speaker events, and engage in mentorship programs. Additional initiatives, such as Business Gives Back and Start-Up Weekend, will provide hands-on experiences, connecting participants with real-world challenges and opportunities in social entrepreneurship.
“This generous gift ensures that BVU students and community members have access to an innovative space where they can develop their entrepreneurial mindset and gain the skills needed to create successful ventures,” said Katherine Cota, Director of the Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship. “By fostering innovation and hands-on learning, we are preparing the next cohort of future business leaders and change-makers.”
The renovation of the first floor of Grand Hall will begin in the Summer of 2025. BVU also plans to move the Center for Criminal Justice Studies, including the interactive training simulator and crime scene investigation rooms, to the second floor of Grand Hall. This expansion will create additional space for hands-on learning, benefiting both BVU students and local law enforcement. The LCRE will continue operating at The Foundry until renovations at its new location are complete.
The Lamberti Center for Rural Entrepreneurship reflects BVU’s commitment to providing transformational educational experiences that empower students to make an impact and reach their greatest potential.
