Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship
Learn from the people who built it.
Every year, the Maastricht Institute of Entrepreneurship brings guest speakers and entrepreneurs from the United States and Europe to Missouri Valley University. Hear their stories, ask your questions, and see how business gets built on both sides of the Atlantic.
At a glance
A spring tradition on campus
Where: Charles L. Bacon Conference Center, Malcolm Center for Student Life
Format: Lectures, seminars, and round-table discussions
Most recent: 18th Annual Institute, April 20–21, 2026
About the Institute
Where entrepreneurial ideas cross borders.
The Maastricht Institute is named after the city of Maastricht in the Netherlands. It grew out of experiences and friendships among residents of Maastricht and several cities in the United States.
Its goal is to build an atmosphere of openness and creativity around how entrepreneurs work in different places. You’ll compare the entrepreneurial business environment in the United States with that of other countries and explore both domestic and international philosophies.
What to expect
Real stories. Real conversations.
Speakers represent a wide range of industries, so you’ll leave with ideas you can put to work in whatever field you choose.
Hear from entrepreneurs
Guest speakers and entrepreneurs from the United States and Europe share what they’ve learned building businesses in many different industries.
Join the conversation
The Institute’s format includes lectures, seminars, and round-table discussions, giving you the chance to ask questions and dig into ideas.
Think globally
See how starting and running a business in the United States compares with other countries, and how domestic and international philosophies shape success.
Past Institutes
A Missouri Valley tradition.
Year after year, the Institute has welcomed entrepreneurs, business leaders, and Missouri Valley alumni back to campus.
12th Annual Institute
2018
13th Annual Institute
2019
14th Annual Institute
2022
15th Annual Institute
2023
16th Annual Institute
2024
17th Annual Institute
2025
Most recent
18th Annual Institute: April 20–21, 2026
The 2026 Institute featured three Missouri Valley alumni among its speakers:
- V. Gina Tocco, Senior Partner, Law Offices of Tocco, Connelly & Associates, P.C.
- Israel Natividad, Consulting Operations Analyst, John Dee Warwick Pty Ltd
- Jarrod Sanderson ’04, CEO, The Way Home
- Simon Siebert, Director of AI, and Dr. Sean Siebert, Founder, 50 By Friday AI
- Darci Ward ’01, Founder/CEO, DK Dance Productions LLC and Ward Enterprises, Inc.
- Phil Kassel ’00, President of Prinsco and Co-Founder of 365 GRIT
Ready to build something of your own?
Apply to Missouri Valley University for free and start learning from entrepreneurs, inside and beyond the classroom.