K-State College of Business Administration selects businesses to participate in Accelerator program
Tuesday, April 16, 2024
K-State's College of Business Administration has selected 11 startup ventures, including Sweet Pieces by Natalie, pictured above, to support through the Center for Entrepreneurship Accelerator program. | Download this photo.
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's College of Business Administration is supporting the success of 11 startup ventures by providing funds, training and other resources through the Center for Entrepreneurship Accelerator program.
The program is intended for early-stage companies and will provide the building blocks to turn the concepts into successful ventures.
The selected businesses will participate in a virtual eight-week program, including faculty-led workshops, support from hands-on student research teams, access to the university's world-class alumni mentor network and $4,500 in funding for completing the program.
"The K-State Accelerator program is a key component of how the college contributes to economic development in Kansas," said Kevin Gwinner, Edgerley family dean of the College of Business Administration. "By taking high-potential businesses and helping them start or scale to be successful, we are contributing to growing the Kansas economy. We are very excited to support entrepreneurs through this innovative and impactful program that aligns well with K-State's land-grant mission."
Criteria for selection included identifying a real problem and an innovative solution, demonstrating the drive to succeed and the ability to incorporate feedback, and showing commitment to the business and the Accelerator program.
The following eleven start-up ventures were selected for the 2024 program:
• CC Thrift, represented by Makenna Baldwin, junior in entrepreneurship, Lee's Summit, Missouri, is a closet cleanout service that pays people to pick up their old, unwanted clothes. Clothes are sorted and resold or donated.
• C&H Designs, represented by Halle Schindler, Paola, and Cassidy Cage, Muleshoe, Texas, both master's students in business administration, specializes in handmade, personalized over-the-collar, dog bandanas and graphic tees.
• Lakin Rose Art, represented by Lakin Denny, junior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Colby, offers original paintings and prints to individuals and businesses.
• The Lawn Guys Plus, represented by Adam Ackerman, junior in finance, Endicott, New York, is a landscaping company now offering services in other areas of home improvement.
• Partydip Inc., represented by Heidi Brown and Angela Hein, Manhattan, is an online marketplace that saves parents' time by putting everything they need to plan a child's party at their fingertips.
• Purple Mallard LLC, doing business as Mega Pines, represented by Kelli Miller, Andover, is a national park-themed miniature golf course that bridges the gap between family fun and education.
• RapidResale, represented by Eli James, junior in computer science, Virginia Beach, Virginia, is a business that helps full-time resellers who sell on multiple platforms streamline and automate their tasks.
• Room Décor Alley, represented by Reese Reitz, junior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Louisburg, is a gift boutique that provides quality, affordable and unique products for everyone.
• Sammy Kopecky Photography, represented by Samantha Kopecky, senior in marketing, Leawood, is a photography company with a passion for creating glowy, joyful and timeless photos that capture special moments in your story.
• Sweet Pieces by Natalie, represented by Natalie McCosh, junior in entrepreneurship an innovation, Douglass, is a home bakery that specializes in custom buttercream sugar cookies.
• Wool Processing, represented by Samuel Manus, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Tonganoxie, is a business focused on alternative wool processing and products.
