Sponsored by John Pappajohn, 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. Eligibility
How to apply: Students will need to submit an executive summary, a one-page Business Model Canvas, and financial projections to the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center closest to their home institution.
How to apply: Download the competition guidelines here! Regional John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Centers:
Round 1 Deadline
April 4 (Midnight)
Round 1 / Judging
April 17 – 14
Each of the five regional locations will select no more than three top business submissions to compete in the final competition. Regional competitions may include personal interviews or presentations at the discretion of the regional centers
Up to 15 Teams Advance to Round 2
Announcement: April 16
Finalists will give a pitch (including pitch deck) to a select panel of judges in Des Moines, IA. Three top awards ($5,000 each) will be presented following a luncheon event. $5,000 winners are not also eligible for the $500 regional award – only one award per team.
Round 2 / Finals
April 25 | 8 am – 1 pm
John and Mary Pappajohn Education Center (Des Moines)
Required downloads to compete: 2025 Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition Guidelines (PDF)
Use this guideline as an overview of the competition. Please note: you do not need to submit your application via email if you are a student at Iowa State or a nearby post-secondary school to the Iowa State Pappajohn Center. This is only applicable to the other regional Pappajohn Centers and post-secondary applicants.
Executive Summary reference links: Executive Summary Guidelines (PDF) Business Model Canvas reference links: Strategyzer Business Model Canvas Business Model Canvas Poster Financial Projections reference links: Balance Sheet Template Cash Flow Projections Simple Income Statement Please reference the Income Statement tab (3-year projections) Fillable W9 Document 2025 (required for any finalists receiving prize money) Pitch Deck reference links (required of finalists in Round 2): Investor Pitch Template (PPT) 10-20-30 Rule How to Create a Pitch Deck for Investors