College students across the state of Iowa are invited to enter the Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition for the chance to win $5,000. The regional competition will take place at the local JPEC’s across the state and will continue on to the final round in Des Moines, IA. Students must submit a plan for a start-up business of their choice by midnight on April 2nd and will be judged on the content, concept, and viability of their business idea.

To apply for this competition, one must be a full or part-time undergraduate or graduate student registered for the 2017-18 academic year at any Iowa post-secondary educational institution. Teams of five or fewer members are encouraged but not required.

The application criteria includes an executive summary, business model canvas, financial projections, and signed terms and conditions. The first round of judging will begin March 30 through April 6 at the local Pappajohn Centers. Up to 15 teams will then advance onto the second round of judging on April 9. The second and final round of judging will take place April 20 in Des Moines, Iowa. The regional winners who advance to the finals but do not place in the top three will be awarded $500 per team.

Materials can be submitted to the Pappajohn Center closest to your region: University of Iowa, University of Northern Iowa, Drake University, Iowa State University, or North Iowa Area Community College. Applicants are not required to be present for judging; however, regional competitions may include interviews or oral presentations at the discretion of the regional competition directors. Feel free to consult with the UNI JPEC for guidance on a business model canvas or any other application submissions.