The 2022 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The17th annual statewide competition will award $100,000 in cash prizes to Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures.

The $100,000 in seed funding includes a $50,000 contribution from John and Mary Pappajohn, matched by $50,000 from the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA). The goal of this competition is to support Iowa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by assisting entrepreneurs.

Iowa businesses that have been in operation for four years or less or are not yet cash flow positive are eligible to apply. This competition is open to businesses including, but not limited to, technology, bio-technology, green technologies, medical, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, engineering and education industries.

The deadline for first round submissions is May 16, second round submissions for select applicants is July 18, with final awards announced on Sept. 15, 2022.

Participants will be judged first on their written submissions, and those who advance to the final round of the competition will give a formal presentation to a panel of judges. First place will be awarded $40,000, second place $25,000 and third place $15,000. Awards for other honorable mention categories will total up to $20,000.

The competition is a collaborative project of the Iowa 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 Iowa Economic Development Authority provides funding to bring the total prize package to $100,000.

For additional information about the competition or to apply, visit the PappaJohn Competition website.

Contact Katie Kreis, Program Associate for Business and Community Services at the University of Northern Iowa, for more information.