For those who have a great idea for a business and want to try it out, the ISU Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship is hosting a business plan competition.

Write a business plan and submit an application to enter in the 2011 Pappajohn New Venture Business Plan Competition.

This event is for individuals or teams of up to five people who either have an idea or recently started a new business. At least one student on a team must be a registered ISU student for the 2010-11 school year.

The top three teams or individuals will win $5,000.

Intent to Compete applications are due Feb. 11, and business plans must be turned in by March 25. The finals will be held April 22 in Des Moines.

All documents can be submitted online at www.isupjcenter.og/programs/newventure.

Help sessions will be available for those people who want extra help writing their business plan. The sessions are free and will go through the process of writing a successful business plan while also answering questions about the competition.

Help sessions

Dec. 3 — 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Jan. 12, 2011 — 3:30 to 5 p.m.

Jan. 20, 2011 – 3:30 to 5 p.m.

All sessions will be at the Pappajohn Center for Entrepreneurship at 2501 North Loop Drive, Suite 1615 in the ISU Research Park.