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The John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition is in its final stage. Three finalists have been chosen. The three finalists include Innovative Vibration Solutions, Inc of Ames; Reference LLC/Sensr of Elkader; and Submittal Exchange of Des Moines.

“The business plan competition this year was characterized by increased quality of business plans. Selecting the final three companies in the competition proved to be a challenge for the judges as all of the companies had great plans and many are well on their way to success,” Jamie T. Zanios, director of the North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC), said. “We are confident that most of the runners up will become viable companies in the future and a couple of them may come back next year with updated plans as they mature and evolve to compete again. This year we had several companies competing that had entered the competition last year and one of the finalists this year competed last year, as well. We are excited to present the three finalists at the upcoming Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship Conference on October 15 in Des Moines. Those honorable mention companies will also be in attendance and the public will have an opportunity to learn about all of these fine companies and see a brief presentation by the three finalists, prior to the announcement of the winner.”

The winner will receive a check for $25,000 from John Pappajohn, while the 1st runner-up will receive $15,000 and the 2nd runner-up will receive $10,000. Each of the other five companies that made it to the semifinals will receive a check for $1,000.

The competition began in March with executive summaries being developed and nearly 70 companies entered the competition. Companies can compete in the competition whether they are in start-up or have been in business for a couple of years. Or if they are making a significant change in direction and essentially “starting over,” they may also enter the competition.

Innovative Vibration Solutions (IVS) has developed an innovative vibration isolation technology which can provide optimal suspension solutions for various applications.

Reference LLC/ Sensr is a design and manufacturer of acceleration recording instruments.

Submittal Exchange reduces paperwork, saves resources and improves collaboration for architects, engineers and contractors with a comprehensive, secure online system for exchanging and reviewing construction submittals electronically.

For more information please contact Jamie T. Zanios, Director of the NIACC JPEC at 641-422-4162 or email at zaniojam@niacc.edu.

For more information on the Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneurship Conference on October 15 in Des Moines, visit the Iowa Department of Economic Development online at www.iowalifechanging.com.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is located on the North Iowa Area Community College campus in Mason City, Iowa and 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 in the new North Iowa Business Incubator for start-up businesses.  For more information, contact the NIACC JPEC at 641-422-4342.

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