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I have an idea

Through design-thinking and market research we help you take your idea to reality.

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I have a startup

We can assist with business resources and funding opportunities to support your startup.

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I have a business

We have a slate of business services from organizational assessments to succession planning.

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quick help button
I have an idea
I have a startup
I have a business

The Center for Entrepreneurship supports the startup community from pre-seed to early-stage development.

Whether you have an idea, a prototype, or your business is already started - we can help you go further.

45+ startups launched or scaled since 2016 More than $10 million in funding for startups since 2016

Center for Entrepreneurship Programs:


ignitor logo

New cohorts starting soon!

Learn more today!

ignitor is a series of entrepreneurial trainings to help you get started and move your business forward.

ignitor 1.0

A program to get you started with entrepreneurship. It is where you learn the key concepts, how to talk about your idea, and more.

Next Sessions:

May 9- June 27
Thursdays | 5:45 - 8:00 pm

ignitor 2.0

A dynamic and immersive training designed to equip aspiring and active entrepreneurs with the necessary tools to embark on their startup ideas and ventures.

Next Sessions:

April 30 - May 28 (with the exception of May 21)
Thursdays | 5:30 - 8:00 pm

 
"ignitor" Two groups collaborate and work on their idea.
"Kansas Family Business Forum" Family members involved in their business are writing notes from an Executive Breakfast.
"Growing Rural Businesses" A woman is discussing a book titled The E-Myth.
 

 
Program: Who benefits: Description:
ignitor People in the Wichita area who are within the process of turning a business idea into a profitable venture. The ignitor accelerator provides a structured support system for community innovators and entrepreneurs, focusing on the ideation pre-seed phase.

Kansas Family Business Forum

Family businesses in the Wichita area. Kansas Family Business Forum brings owners, families and managers together to address issues of ownership and management succession, strategic planning, family dynamics and family governance.
Growing Rural Businesses Business owners in rural Kansas who are looking to grow their business. Growing Rural Businesses is an eight-week certificate program customized for rural businesses. GRB provides practical, applied information and examples necessary for rural communities in Kansas.

Center for Entrepreneurship Events:


 

shocker new venture competition logo

Connecting students and community with ideas to industry and resources for 17 years.

WSU students get ready to dive into a pool of knowledge and experience at the Shocker New Venture Competition. The application for this three round competition opens March 4th.

Be amongst the aspiring business leaders refining their strategies, pitching with precision, and gaining invaluable insights.

Learn more today!

Clash Build Cash

Developing diverse business skills sets and putting them to the test.

WSU students, Clash Build Cash is your chance to compete for $6,000 in prizes as you hone professional skills in a competitive multi-player game on Venture Valley.

Get ready to compete March 21st!

Learn more today!

 
"Shocker New Venture Competition" A student stands at their booth presenting their idea to judges.
"Idea Set Go" A person sits with question marks and a lightbulb overhead.
"Clash Build Cash" A screen shot of Venture Valley gameplay.
 
 
Competition: Who benefits: Description:

Shocker New Venture Competition

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Students who are working on making their business idea or startup a reality.

Applications open March 4th.

The Shocker New Venture Competition gives students the opportunity to win venture money as well as receive valuable feedback on their idea from industry experts.
Idea Set Go Students who are looking to build problem solving and creative skills as they explore the idea of starting a business. Issuing a challenge to be creative and explore applied problem solving, Idea Set Go is a competition that invites WSU students to enter a creative solution  to win a cash prize of $500.
Clash Build Cash Students who are looking to hone essential professional skills like strategic decision-making, adaptability, and innovative thinking. In this competitive multi-player tournament hosted on Venture Valley, students are given a chance to shine, regardless of academic background.

Devlin HallDevlin Hall

My advice to anyone is to take advantage of your resources. We are fortunate at WSU to have access to people with great experience in the field and to have them be a phone call away. I would reach out to Nancy, Troy and others involved to offer advice and insights about your presentation, pitch, demo, or whatever it may be. This is not the first startup they are involved in, and it won't be the last.

-Grant Johnson, Previous winner of the Shocker New Venture Competition

Read more about Grant and the competition
Grant Johnson testing a prototype of Vision Vest with the aid of blind individual

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