Launch a Business program gets underway with kickoff event
Friday, June 5, 2015
MANHATTAN — Entrepreneurs, mentors and College of Business Administration faculty and students came together recently to stimulate the Kansas startup economy with a kickoff event for the Kansas State University Launch a Business program.
The program, which is sponsored by KS State Bank and the college's Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, provides 14 high-potential startup ventures with much-needed resources, including faculty-led courses, hands-on student research teams and access to the university's world-class alumni mentor network.
"It is great to see so many of our stakeholders invested in the success of these entrepreneurs," said Chad Jackson, director of the college's Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. "Our alumni network, faculty, students and business community have really come together to provide an innovative program that will support small business owners and help to create jobs in Kansas."
The kickoff event was the first opportunity for the program participants to meet and network with the mentors, faculty, student researchers and other startups.
"The networking that we have been able to do so far has been great,” said Danielle Tegtmeier, who along with her husband, David, is the owner of Liquid Art Winery and Estate, Manhattan. "Being able to talk to mentors who have started businesses in the past and gaining some of their knowledge and insight is invaluable in this early stage of our company."
The Launch a Business program will continue throughout the month, and program organizers invite all alumni and supporters of the university and the regional startup ecosystem to a closing celebration on June 25 from 5-7:30 p.m. at the university’s Alumni Center. The event will feature presentations from all program participants, with attendees having the opportunity to vote for their favorite company.
To reserve a ticket for the Launch Party, visit http://www.k-state.edu/lab. More information on the inaugural startups selected for the Launch a Business program is available at http://www.k-state.edu/media/newsreleases/may15/labclass51415.html.
