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Launch A Business

K-State LAB

Chad Jackson 
309 Calvin Hall
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS 66502

cjackson@ksu.edu 
785-532-6282

About LAB

Apply Here

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   

 

 

     Completed Project

May 25 – June 29

5

Mentoring

 

 

    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