Linden Terpstra embraces entrepreneurship in Iowa
Linden Terpstra wanted to go all-in on her idea – a marketplace for connecting companies with professionals in the environmental, health and safety (EHS) field. She knew she had the drive and determination to succeed as an entrepreneur (she’d once biked from Alaska to Mexico), but financial concerns were holding her back. The cost of living was creeping up in Reno, Nevada, where Linden was working for a later-stage startup. Pursuing her dream meant she wouldn’t be bringing in a paycheck for a while.
“I had always wanted to start my own company, and I finally had the confidence to go out and do it,” Linden said. “I wanted there to be no excuses for why it didn’t succeed, so it was an obvious choice to move back to Iowa. Life’s way more affordable here.”
Moving back home to Cedar Falls gave Linden the margin to bring her business, EHS Support Source, to life. The Iowa State University alumna used her knowledge of database management and a no-code app builder to create a minimum viable product, which she describes as “An Angie’s List for EHS.” Then she started seeking out connections in the state who might help her get to the next phase.
“What I didn’t realize is that I was doing all the wrong things people do when they start a business—diving into providing a solution before you even find the need,” Linden said.
Accelerated Growth
To expand her network, Linden reached out to Alex Taylor, the managing director of Iowa startup accelerator services at NewBoCo, a coworking space and entrepreneurship resource center in Cedar Rapids. He provided candid feedback and was a catalyst for connections.
RELATED: Read more about the start of NewBoCo and its mission of supporting Iowa’s technical workforce.
“Linden brought so much energy and contemporary insight to the table,” Alex said. Although he’d seen others propose similar business ideas, he saw Linden’s attitude as a major differentiator. “She was open to feedback and willing to follow up on leads,” he said.
Alex advised Linden to enroll in Venture School, a cohort-based training program through the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa. The seven-week program equips entrepreneurs to build successful startups.
“Going into Venture School gave me the freedom to reset and make sure that we’re on the right path,” Linden said.
“The peer pressure to do customer interviews was amazing. Between my interaction with Alex through NewBoCo and Venture School, I’ve definitely shifted my perspective and accelerated my business’ growth.”
Networking comes naturally to the charismatic 32-year-old, who’s astonished by how receptive the state’s CEOs and business leaders have been to her outreach. Everyone wants the entrepreneurship ecosystem to flourish, and Linden’s focus fulfills a real workforce need.
“There have been multiple leaders that I have met in passing who I’ve asked, ‘Would you be willing to meet with me?’” she said. “Some I’ve met with three or four times now. I’m shocked, but I’m so thankful that they are supportive and willing to be sounding boards.”
A Welcoming Environment
Building a startup from her home state of Iowa has involved a surprising sense of camaraderie. Linden forged a close friendship with another founder in her Venture School cohort and found that having a peer to bounce ideas off of and commiserate with has been greatly beneficial. While launching a company can be lonely, cohort relationships offer a source of support – Alex Taylor helps people like Linden realize they’re in good company.
“Entrepreneurs are very collaborative, especially in Iowa,” Alex said. “I have sent entrepreneurs to Linden because she is a wonderful listener and a positive person who is willing to give constructive feedback and input to help other entrepreneurs keep building traction.”
Linden continues to connect with potential partners across the state to grow her marketplace and business. When she’s not pouring energy into customer discovery calls or attending business-related events, Linden tries to spend time in the outdoors. Although she left the mountains of Nevada behind, Iowa’s natural places are well within reach.
“I go on a four-mile walk almost every day with my dog on different trails,” Linden says. “Riding the roller coaster of entrepreneurship, exercise is critical. Within a 10-minute walk from my house, I can be in the woods, running on a trail or paddling down the Cedar River.”
Convenience brought her back, but the accessibility to Iowa’s outdoor amenities, vibrant startup scene and leadership changed Linden’s perspective on her home state:
“These days, I wonder how I got so lucky.”
