Pappajohn Business Plan Competition

Initially unveiled at the 2005 Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference, the business plan competition is designed to stimulate business development and provide support to outstanding business plans. In 2006, over 85 business plans were submitted with three outstanding businesses being awarded $50,000. Four additional companies received honorable mention.

The contest is open to all new start-up and young companies and will award $50,000 in prize money to the top three business plans submitted ($25,000 for first prize; $15,000 for second; and $10,000 for third).

There is a new format beginning in 2007. In the first round, only executive summaries will be accepted from March 1 - April 15. Applications should be submitted to the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at the University of Iowa for screening. After initial screening, those selected to continue in the contest will be notified by May 15 to submit their completed business plan by June 30. Up to 10 finalists will be notified by August 10 of their selection and will begin preparing for live presentations to the selection committee which will occur from August 20 - September 7. Lastly, the three finalists will be selected, and they will be notified to be prepared to give an executive summary at the Iowa Venture Capital and Entrepreneur Conference in Des Moines in October. John Pappajohn will announce the winners and award the checks.

Sponsored by Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics, Inc. and the five John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers across the state, the John Pappajohn Iowa Business Plan Competition promotes new entrepreneurial activity and highlights venture capital resources around the state.

Assistance with business plan entries is available at John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers in Ames, Cedar Falls, Des Moines, Iowa City and NIACC; the Small Business Development Centers throughout the state; and at Iowa Business Accelerators and Incubators in Ames, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Dubuque, Iowa City, and NIACC.

See also - the Iowa Business Plan Competition