Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
Applications for the 2024 competition have 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 2024 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.
2024
Timeline.
March 13 — Applications open
May 13 — Deadline for initial applications.
May 31 — Companies notified on advancement
July 15 — Semi-final applications and Publicity & Liability Release form due.
August 9 — Finalists notified.
August 22 — Final round pitches and Awards Luncheon
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.
2024
Timeline.
March 13 — Applications open
May 13 — Deadline for initial applications.
May 31 — Companies notified on advancement
July 15 — Semi-final applications and Publicity & Liability Release form due.
August 9 — Finalists notified.
August 22 — Final round pitches and Awards Luncheon
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.