FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 7, 2001 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 STUDENTS INVITED TO LEARN ABOUT VENTURE CAPITAL, APPLY FOR SEED CAPITAL GRANTS Drake students are invited to attend the Iowa Venture Capital Conference, an annual event that will feature presentations by prominent business leaders. This year John Pappajohn, president of Equity Dynamics Inc., and Thomas L. Cardella, president of Access Direct, the eighth fastest growing company in the United States, will discuss the keys to success in new ventures. The conference also will feature Iowa Governor Thomas J. Vilsack. The event is free to Drake students and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, at the Polk County Convention Complex at 501 Grand Ave. in downtown Des Moines. Interested students should call the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at 271-2655 to register in advance. In addition to attending the conference, Drake students may apply for the $10,000 Seed Capital Grant. The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, a resource for aspiring small business owners, will award the grant to one unique and innovative Drake student entrepreneur. The gift is intended to fund a new business involving creative and original technology, products or services. All current Drake students who anticipate earning a Drake University academic degree are eligible. Drake students may also apply for one of three $5,000 Seed Capital Grants. All Iowa college students are eligible for these grants. The Drake Small Business Development Center will provide applicants with access to resources and consultative services. Experts will guide students through processes such as the preparation of business plans and cash flow projections. Students may obtain an application for either grant by visiting the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center at 2429 University Ave. or by contacting the center at 271-2655. Applications for the fall 2001 grants are due by Oct. 15. Business plans are due by Nov. 2.