Entrepreneurial Competitions
Put your entrepreneurship knowledge to the test!
Academic competitions play an essential part in learning for students. Participation offers a unique opportunity for students to use the knowledge they have gained in the classroom and apply it to real-work situations. These competitions are great for building skills, including leadership, teamwork and communication. They can also be a great way to make new connections and friends. If you want to further your education and knowledge, consider signing up for an academic competition today.
Elevator Pitch Competition
Bart Schmitz, Program Manager, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
319-273-5732
The UNIEntrepreneurs, in conjunction with the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, holds an elevator pitch competition early in the fall semester. The winner from the UNI competition advances to the national Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization's competition held at the CEO annual conference. Three national winners are selected.
Global Student Entrepreneur Award (GSEA)
Bart Schmitz, Program Manager, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
319-273-5732
Undergraduate student entrepreneurs who own a "for-profit" business and have been responsible for ongoing business operations for the past six consecutive months are eligible to compete in the regional GSEA contest. Regional winners advance to the Global Finals, sponsored by the Entrepreneur's Organization (EO). The winner receives a $10,000 cash prize plus products and services donated by EO members.
Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
Laurie Watje, Director, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
319-273-5732
This annual business plan competition for start-up or young Iowa business owners asks prospective competitors to submit an executive summary, business model canvas and financial information. Judges select businesses to continue in the competition, and those business owners must submit full business plans. Plans are reviewed, and up to 10 businesses are selected to make presentations to judges in the final round. The top three businesses receive awards of $40,000 (first), $25,000 (second) and $15,000 (third), with an additional $20,000 awarded to other categories for a total of $100,000 awarded.
Okoboji Entrepreneurial Institute
Patrick Luensmann, Associate Director, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
319-273-5732
Eight UNI students, selected through essays and interviews, are grouped with 24 students from the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, Buena Vista University, and Iowa Lakes Community College for one week of advanced study of entrepreneurship in the Iowa Lakes Region during the month of August. Students focus on developing their business through mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities with successful entrepreneurs and business and community leaders.
Pappajohn Student Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
Laurie Watje, Director, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
319-273-5732
This annual spring competition, sponsored by John Pappajohn, Equity Dynamics and the Pappajohn Centers, is for Iowa college and university students interested in starting their own businesses. Original business ideas are chosen in five regional competitions with winners advancing to the state level. Seed awards of $5,000 are given to three winners who effectively present viable business models.
E-Fest Competition
Patrick Luensmann, Associate Director, John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center
319-273-5732
The e-Fest competition, hosted by the Schulze School of Entrepreneurship, invites undergraduate student entrepreneurs to showcase their ventures for a chance to win cash prizes up to $25,000. Eligible participants must own a for-profit business and have been running it for at least six months. The event offers valuable networking opportunities and expert feedback to support budding entrepreneurs in their journey.