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The first round of the John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition is complete. Of the 65 executive summaries entered, 30 have been selected to submit full business plans to be reviewed by judges. Businesses selected for the next round are from 17 different communities across the state. A sampling of the business types includes bioenergy, data management, manufacturing, information technology, bioscience, innovative construction systems and more. Of these competitors, seven to ten will be chosen as finalists and invited to present to a panel of judges. Based on the presentations, the judges will select three businesses to present at the Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneurs Conference on Oct. 6 where the winner will be announced.

The John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition is designed to stimulate business development and provide support for outstanding business plans. This year a total of $50,000 will be awarded to the top three submitted business plans ($25,000 for first prize, $15,000 for second and $10,000 for third). Honorable mention and $1,000 will be awarded to additional companies.

For more information, visit the competition web site, www.iowabusinessplancompetition.com, or contact one of the 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 John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers provide entrepreneurial education and business support, partnering with agencies like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED), Entrepreneurial Development Centers (EDCs) and local entrepreneurs to assist with funding and other business needs.

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

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