Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach

The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach believes that together, we can create, grow, and succeed. 

The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach serves to create a strong relationship between Drake students and community entrepreneurs in Greater Des Moines. It offers many benefits for young adult Entrepreneurs within the community who want to grow their businesses. 

John Pappajohn, a true exemplar of the power of philanthropy, education, and business. Mr. Pappajohn leaves behind a tremendous legacy for the state of Iowa, from his profound impact on entrepreneurism to the generosity with which he and his late wife, Mary, made the arts more accessible for all of us. 

Mr. Papajohn has made a lasting impact on our campus, students, and community through the establishment of the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach in 1998. Mr. Pappajohn had a four-decade philanthropic relationship with Drake, primarily centered around business and entrepreneurship education.

Programs

The Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship Outreach supports several programs for Drake students and community members.

• Pappajohn Student Venture Competition gives students an opportunity to pitch their business ideas for a chance to win $5,000 (held every spring) Learn More
• The Pappajohn Center in the Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University is home to the Drake Business Clinic, and multiple workshop series that support university and community entrepreneurs. You can find more information about the clinic here.

For more information about how we can help, contact the Entrepreneurship Centers at drakebizclinic@drake.edu.