Business Horizons 2026 Gives Iowa Students a Week to Build a Business—and Their Future
April 28, 2026
DES MOINES, Iowa – This summer, Iowa high school students won’t just learn about business—they’ll build one.
Registration is open for Business Horizons 2026, a five-day, hands-on program hosted by the ABI Foundation that brings students together from across the state to create and launch a business idea from the ground up.
Held July 19–23 at Grand View University in Des Moines, the program challenges students to work in teams to develop a product, build a brand and pitch their idea to a panel of judges. Along the way, participants collaborate with business professionals, tour Iowa companies and take part in workshops focused on leadership, communication and problem-solving.
“Business Horizons puts students in the driver’s seat,” said Meg Schneider, ABI Vice President of Strategic Initiatives. “They’re not sitting in a classroom—they’re working as a team, solving real problems and gaining confidence in their ideas and abilities.”
Throughout the week, students compete in events including an investor pitch, infomercial and trade show, while building connections with peers and professionals from across Iowa. The experience is designed for students of all backgrounds and interests, helping them better understand how their strengths translate to real-world opportunities.
For more than 40 years, Business Horizons has served as a launch point for over 5,000 Iowa students, many of whom have gone on to become business leaders, entrepreneurs and community leaders across the state.
Business Horizons 2026 is open to students grades 9–12. Program fees cover lodging, meals and all activities, and need-based financial assistance is available. Participants can save $175 by registering before June 7.
For more information or to register, visit www.BusinessHorizonsIowa.com.