New and startup businesses can enter to win up to $25,000

John Pappajohn, Iowa’s premier venture capitalist, has announced the launch of the 2017 Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition. This is the 12th annual competition sponsored by John Pappajohn. Since 2006, more than $550,000 has been awarded to startups across the state. This year, a total of $50,000 will be awarded to the top three submitted business opportunities: $25,000 for first prize, $15,000 for second, and $10,000 for third.

The competition is designed to stimulate business development and provide support for entrepreneurial ventures. The 2017 Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is open to new and startup businesses (in business for less than four years and located in Iowa).

The first round of the competition is currently accepting application through May 15th. During this time, businesses are invited to submit business information via a secure online platform. Information and competition details are available at www.pappajohnentrepreneurialventurecompetition.com

In June, selected companies will be contacted and invited to submit full business proposals. The competition will then be narrowed to seven to 10 companies that will present to judges on September 8th. The winners will be recognized at a special awards luncheon on September 21st in Des Moines.

Assistance with the competition is available at the Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers located at Drake University, Iowa State University, North Iowa Area Community College, the University of Iowa, and the University of Northern Iowa; the Small Business Development Centers throughout the state; and the business accelerators in Des Moines, Spencer, Cedar Rapids and Mason City.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers provide entrepreneurial education and business support, partnering with agencies like the Small Business Development Centers, the Iowa Economic Development Authority, Entrepreneurial Development Centers and local entrepreneurs to assist with funding and other business needs.

Rules, eligibility, timelines and assistance information are available at the competition website, www.pappajohnentrepreneurialventurecompetition.com. For additional information about the competition visit www.iowabusinessplancompetition.com or contact one of the JPEC centers via the contact information below.

Drake University John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Debra Bishop or Tom Swartwood
515-271-2011
deb.bishop@drake.edu or tom.swartwood@drake.edu

Iowa State University John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Judi Eyles
515-296-6532
eyles@iastate.edu

North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Tim Putnam
641-422-4111
putnatim@niacc.edu

University of Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Lynn Allendorf
319-335-1022
lynn-allendorf@uiowa.edu

University of Northern Iowa John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
Randy Pilkington
319-273-5732
Randy.pilkington@uni.edu

The national NACCE Innovation Award winning NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center provides college level courses and degree programs in entrepreneurship, as well as comprehensive consulting services for business start-ups, existing industries and owner transitions in the North Iowa region. Space is available for start-up businesses in the North Iowa Business Incubator. For more information, contact the NIACC JPEC at 641-422-4111.

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