About LAB
Overview
Are you launching a new startup venture, and you aren't sure what to do first? Have you been mulling over a concept on nights and weekends, and are ready to take the leap to focus on it? Do you have an idea or early-stage business you know is the next BIG thing? The startup journey can be lonely — if you're looking for support along the road, you're in the right place.
The LAB program provides entrepreneurs access to world-class K-State faculty, students, and alumni support to help launch or grow their business.
Participating ventures will receive:
- Custom startup lessons designed and delivered by top K-State faculty, covering topics such as strategy, marketing, human resources, and finance
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs in the K-state network
- Hands-on market and competitor research conducted by K-State graduate and undergraduate business school students
- Each venture successfully completing the program will receive $1,500 and is eligible to participate in the Launch Party where up to $80,000 in additional prizes will be awarded
Key Dates
- April 14 - Applications closed at 5pm Central Time
- April 30 - Finalists will be announced
- May 25 - Kickoff Event | 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
- Launch Party – 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
2017 Program Overview
Each entrepreneur will work to receive 20 points to successfully complete the program. Points can be accumulated from any of the following categories:
Education | Date | Points |
Online Noncredit Certificate | Available April 30 | 5 |
Angel Investor Workshop | June 7 | 1 |
New venture business strategy | June 8 | 1 |
Digital business tools | June 9 | 1 |
Business Planning | June 15 | 1 |
Competitive Analysis | June 16 | 1 |
Startup finance and accounting | June 22 | 1 |
Student Research |
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Completed Project | May 25 – June 29 | 5 |
Mentoring |
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On Campus Mentoring | June 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23 | 1 per session |
Additional mentoring |
| 1 per session |
Criteria
All applications will be reviewed by the LAB team and evaluated based on the venture, entrepreneur, and mission alignment. Successful applicants will demonstrate the following:
- Venture
- Is a scalable, for-profit business or idea
- Has identified a problem and is solving it in an innovative way
- Is based in Kansas
- Has not received funding from outside professional investors (friends and family funding is OK)
- Entrepreneur
- Is committed to the idea/ venture
- Has the experience, ability, and drive to succeed
- Is receptive to and willing to incorporate feedback; shows desire to prove concept and/ or validate market
- Mission Alignment
- Program resources are a good fit for company stage and needs
- Entrepreneur is committed to participating in the program
- Venture will have a positive impact on the Kansas community and/or economy
