K-State accelerator opens applications to startups; university dives deeper into regional K-State 105 initiative

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MANHATTAN, Kansas — Sunflower State startups are invited to apply for Kansas State University’s entrepreneurship accelerator, which now boasts a more-than-10-year track record, as well as a refined focus on economic development.

Applications are now open for the fully online Center for Entrepreneurship Accelerator program, which runs April through July 2025. Led by K-State’s College of Business Administration, the premier initiative is designed to support early-stage startups in Kansas.

Chad Jackson, Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, Kansas State University

“Our accelerator program allows us to leverage K-State’s unique resources to foster innovation within the community,” said Chad Jackson, director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. “By connecting entrepreneurs with our faculty, alumni mentors and students, we aim to provide invaluable support for startup ventures.”

Click here to apply or learn more about the criteria and application process. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply by Feb. 24.

The accelerator directly supports many of the goals of K-State 105 and the University’s Economic Property Plan through: direct jobs created, capital and equity investment attracted and leveraged, new businesses established or expanded, and businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities/municipalities receiving funding or technical assistance.

Applications are open to founders of scalable, for-profit businesses or ideas, including student-led ventures. Selection criteria include identifying a meaningful problem and offering an innovative solution, demonstrating drive and adaptability, and showing a strong commitment to the venture.

The industry-agnostic accelerator opened in 2014, and has played host to a diverse range of Kansas City-area startups and businesses, including among the 2024 class:

• CC Thrift (Makenna Baldwin, then-junior in entrepreneurship), Lee’s Summit, Missouri — A closet cleanout service that pays people to pick up their old, unwanted clothes; Clothes are sorted and resold or donated.
• Partydip (Heidi Brown and Angela Hein), Manhattan — An online marketplace that saves parents’ time by putting everything they need to plan a child’s party at their fingertips.
• Room Décor Alley (Reese Reitz, then-junior in entrepreneurship and innovation), Louisburg — A gift boutique that provides quality, affordable and unique products for everyone.
• Sammy Kopecky Photography (Samantha Kopecky, then-senior in marketing), Leawood — A photography company with a passion for creating glowy, joyful and timeless photos that capture special moments in your story.
• Wool Processing (Samuel Manus, then-senior in entrepreneurship and innovation), Tonganoxie — A business focused on alternative wool processing and products.

From the archives: KC, Wichita, Topeka startups earn share of $100K as K-State accelerator spreads prize money across region