K-State accelerator opens applications to startups; university dives deeper into regional K-State 105 initiative
January 29, 2025 | Startland News Staff
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.
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.
This story is made possible by Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures.
Entrepreneurial Growth Ventures (EGV) is a business unit of NetWork Kansas supporting innovative, high-growth entrepreneurs in the State of Kansas. NetWork Kansas promotes an entrepreneurial environment by connecting entrepreneurs and small business owners with the expertise, education and economic resources they need to succeed.
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
No cookie-cutter way to create an entrepreneur, so what’s the catalyst? Inside KU’s venture test lab
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. It’s a practical testing ground for KU students to flex their entrepreneurial muscles, Ryan Rains said, describing a business program built for could-be entrepreneurs who aren’t necessarily even business majors — and who, ultimately, might choose to abandon their concept…
Enactus USA turns 50 in KC as local leaders urge: Give your network to an entrepreneur
A three-day expo featuring student-led innovation and entrepreneurship from across the nation found its home (and groove) “in the heart of the USA” this week, said Mikena Manspeaker, noting the campus of UMKC was the perfect fit for marking the 50th anniversary of Enactus United States. “Kansas City is just booming with entrepreneurial spirit and…
Streetwear-infused runway show hits 10 year-mark, building fashion family along the way
High fashion met heartfelt passion on the runway Sunday with the return of the The Kritiq Fashion Show — a celebration of creativity, entrepreneurship and community spirit that not even a global pandemic (or family pressures) could undress. “This is our 10th year,” said Mark Launiu, co-founder of The Kritiq, as well as the Kansas…
Goodwill’s ‘adult high school’ in KC just scored major funding wins (and hired its first leader)
A first-of-its kind adult high school in the region hit two big funding milestones this month, said organizers of the Excel Center, announcing six-figure financial contributions from the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as well as a key hire. Led by Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas (MoKan…