Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition

The application period for the 2023 Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is now open.

Sponsored by John Pappajohn and Equity Dynamics, Inc., the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition is intended for Iowa university and college students with an interest in starting their own business. Plans are judged based on a) content of plan and b) viability of business idea. Three (3) seed grants in the amount of $5,000 are awarded to the top three business plans submitted in the competition. In addition, all finalists receive $500 if not chosen for the top awards. Dates and deadlines for the 2023 competition are as follows:

April 5: Deadline to submit application and supporting materials for Round 1
April 6 to 16: Round 1 judging
April 17: Announcement of teams advancing to Round 2
April 28: Round 2 Presentations (tentatively scheduled 8 AM to 1 PM in Des Moines or Ames)

Download a copy of the 2023 Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Competition Application to read the full rules and then apply online here.

Questions? Email jpec@drake.edu.

Eligibility

Full or part-time undergraduate or graduate students registered for the 2022-23 academic year at any Iowa post-secondary educational institution are eligible for the competition.
Plans may be submitted by an individual or by a team of students.
Teams must consist of at least one student member.
Teams must consist of five or fewer members.
Business plans must be for a start-up business only (not for an existing business).