July 31, 2024
K-State College of Business Administration Accelerator program awards $50,000 to entrepreneurs
Eleven entrepreneurs recently completed the startup Accelerator program hosted by the Kansas State University College of Business Administration's Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. This rigorous program, launched in the spring, offered these startups invaluable resources including faculty-led courses, hands-on student research teams and access to an extensive alumni mentor network.
The Accelerator program, designed to foster innovation and business growth, featured a custom curriculum developed by K-State College of Business Administration faculty. This exclusive content, available only to Accelerator participants, delved into critical areas such as business strategy, sales and employee motivation, providing the entrepreneurs with practical and actionable insights for their businesses.
Wildcat Consulting played a pivotal role by collaborating with each startup on tailored projects addressing their unique needs. Student consultant teams provided expertise in areas where entrepreneurs sought improvement, ensuring each business could refine and enhance their operations.
A highlight of the program was the mentorship component. Entrepreneurs were matched with key alumni and local business leaders, gaining valuable advice and support aligned with their specific experiences and requirements.
"The Accelerator program allows us to share our unique resources with the broader entrepreneurial community," said Chad Jackson, Jack Vanier director of the university's Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. "Our faculty, alumni mentors and students are incredible resources, and we are excited to share their expertise to support startup ventures."
During the eight-week program, the participating businesses generated more than $145,000 in sales, hired 12 full-time and 12 part-time employees, and attracted an additional $160,000 in capital.
Makenna Baldwin, owner of Seven Vintage, praised the program's impact.
"The program has provided me with the confidence to take risks and fully engage with my business by learning exactly what I need to be successful," Baldwin said. "Connecting with and learning from the mentors was extremely rewarding. The program creates a community of ambitious and supportive entrepreneurs."
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.
Each of the 11 companies was awarded a grant for $4,500 in equity-free funding upon completion of the program.
The startups that participated in the 2024 Accelerator are:
- C&H Designs; Halle Schindler, Paola, and Cassidy Cage, Muleshoe, Texas, both master's students in business administration.
- Lakin Rose Art; Lakin Denny, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Colby.
- The Lawn Guys Plus; Adam Ackerman, senior in finance, Endicott, New York.
- Manus Brothers Shearing; Samuel Manus, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Tonganoxie.
- Partydip Inc.; Heidi Brown and Angela Hein, Manhattan.
- Piclist; Eli James, senior in computer science, Virginia Beach, Virginia.
- Purple Mallard LLC, dba Mega Pines; Kelli Miller, Andover.
- Room Décor Alley; Reese Reitz, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Louisburg.
- Sammy Kopecky Photography; Samantha Kopecky, master's student in business administration, Leawood.
- Seven Vintage; Makenna Baldwin, senior in entrepreneurship, Lee's Summit, Missouri.
- Sweet Pieces by Natalie; Natalie McCosh, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Douglass.
"We're grateful for our time in the K-State University Accelerator program," said Angela Hein, co-founder of Partydip.co. "The knowledge we gained from the professors and experts was priceless, and the mentors were amazing with their advice and connections. Plus, the relationships we built with other entrepreneurs were really enriching and will definitely lead to future collaborations. This experience has truly set Partydip on a path to greater success."
Visit the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship's website to learn more about the center and the Accelerator program.