About Business Horizons
Business Horizons, a program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation, has served the students of Iowa for more than 40 years, with more than 5,000 students having taken advantage of the Business Horizons experience.
Business Horizons is a five-day innovation simulation bringing students (grades 9-12) of all experience levels from across the state together to gain a better sense of how their skills connect to the business world and the real world.
Participants are placed in teams and tasked to create an innovative solution from which they must launch a business and prepare for three competitions: investor pitch, infomercial screening, and "best product" determined at a trade show. In addition to navigating business challenges as a team, the schedule includes dynamic workshops, relevant keynote speakers, work with Iowa professionals, fun evening activities and so much more.
We often hear that Business Horizons not only changes the way students think, but also how they perceive themselves and their future. Throughout the week, students build upon their inherent leadership skills in a positive team environment, allowing them to better define their personal strengths and interests. Students are exposed to new career possibilities as they visit local businesses and connect with professionals in a variety of industries. Business Horizons is an experiential learning opportunity that provides essential future-ready knowledge and skills for students regardless of career interest.
For more information please feel free to contact us to learn more.
Cost & Financial Aid
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the ABI Foundation seeks to keep costs as low as possible for all participants with help from generous sponsors.
2025 PARTICIPANT FEES
- Before May 30: $350
- After May 30: $400
A student's participation fee covers lodging, meals, materials and activities for the week. Need-based financial assistance (or a "scholarship") is available. Students may request financial assistance on their application or by contacting us.
Impact of Business Horizons
More than 5,000 Iowans have participated in the Business Horizons experience. Those individuals have grown to be CEOs, entrepreneurs, community leaders and so much more. Business Horizons continues to work as a catalyst for Iowa's bright future by serving individuals and communities across the state with its impactful programming.
- Impact on Students: Participating in Business Horizons often leads to a heightened awareness of their strengths, goals and abilities, as well as a more well-defined direction for their future.
- Impact on Communities: Business Horizons fosters entrepreneurial thinking, so participants leave the program prepared to further discover new, innovative ideas that positively change the world around them.
- Impact on Iowa: Through Business Horizons, participants begin visualizing career and education opportunities in Iowa – the first of many steps in their development towards becoming our state’s future workforce professionals, civic and community leaders, and so much more!
