Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
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.
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.
2026
Timeline.
April 13 — Applications open
May 15 — Deadline for initial applications due by 11:59 PM
May 31 — Companies notified on advancement
July 10 — Semi-final applications and Publicity & Liability Release form due by 11:59 PM
August 9 — Finalists notified
August 19 — Final round pitches and Awards Luncheon (Ames)
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.
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.
2026
Timeline.
April 13 — Applications open
May 15 — Deadline for initial applications due by 11:59 PM
May 31 — Companies notified on advancement
July 10 — Semi-final applications and Publicity & Liability Release form due by 11:59 PM
August 9 — Finalists notified
August 19 — Final round pitches and Awards Luncheon (Ames)
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.