Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

Registration for this event is closed.

The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition contest is intended to encourage entrepreneurial activity and promote awareness of the resources available to entrepreneurs in Iowa. New and innovative ventures are encouraged to participate. Judges selected by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers will review all written submissions on the basis of the following variables: 

  • Problem and Solution Identification
  • Value Proposition Statement
  • Customer Segment Identification & Marketing
  • Financial Potential and Current Status
  • Compliancy of Rules

Participants who advance will be judged on presentations and interviews. Subject to certain limitations, the top three ventures will be awarded in the finals. The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is void where prohibited by law. 

The 2023 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is co-hosted by the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers and the Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Competition
Eligibility.

The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is open to participants who meet the following criteria:

  • An original business idea in operation for four years or less, or is not yet cash flow positive.
  • Principal operations are located in Iowa. 
  • Members are 18+ and legal U.S. residents.
  • Not engaged primarily in retail sales, real estate, or the provision of health care or professional services. 
  • Participants have not previously placed in this competition. 
  • Members cannot be directors, officers, or employees of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, JPEC, SBDC, or Equity Dynamics. 
First place winners and John Pappajohn.

2023
Timeline.

March 15 — Applications open on YouNoodle.

Monday, May 15 — Deadline for initial applications.

June 2 — Companies notified on advancement

July 17 — Semi-final applications and Publicity & Liability Release form due. 

August 11 — Finalists notified. 

August 25 — Finalists videotaped while presenting to panel of judges at ISU. 

August 25 — Finalists announced during Awards Luncheon immediately after final round of pitches.

Student presenting business.

Competition
Prizes.

1st Place — $40,000

2nd Place — $25,000

3rd Place — $15,000

Additional prizes totaling $20,000.

All winners will be recognized on the website for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. 

People with John Pappapjohn.

Competition
Eligibility.

The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is open to participants who meet the following criteria:

  • An original business idea in operation for four years or less, or is not yet cash flow positive.
  • Principal operations are located in Iowa. 
  • Members are 18+ and legal U.S. residents.
  • Not engaged primarily in retail sales, real estate, or the provision of health care or professional services. 
  • Participants have not previously placed in this competition. 
  • Members cannot be directors, officers, or employees of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, JPEC, SBDC, or Equity Dynamics. 
First place winners and John Pappajohn.

2023
Timeline.

March 15 — Applications open on YouNoodle.

Monday, May 15 — Deadline for initial applications.

June 2 — Companies notified on advancement

July 17 — Semi-final applications and Publicity & Liability Release form due. 

August 11 — Finalists notified. 

August 25 — Finalists videotaped while presenting to panel of judges at ISU. 

August 25 — Finalists announced during Awards Luncheon immediately after final round of pitches.

Student presenting business.

Competition
Prizes.

1st Place — $40,000

2nd Place — $25,000

3rd Place — $15,000

Additional prizes totaling $20,000.

All winners will be recognized on the website for the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. 

People with John Pappapjohn.