Building businesses, chasing dreams

The Entrepreneurship Accelerator, housed in the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship in the College of Business Administration, is a premier Kansas State University outreach initiative that offers two pathways for Kansas-based founders at different stages. The Idea Track helps aspiring entrepreneurs validate early concepts through customer discovery, prototyping and pitch preparation. The Growth Track supports operating ventures with mentorship and hands-on consulting to refine business models, strengthen operations and build for scale. For graduate student and veteran Ryan Atkins, that support is already reshaping his business and his future.

Building a post-military career in the Flint Hills

Atkins, a non-traditional student using VA benefits to pursue a graduate degree in the College of Agriculture, launched Chasing Tail Outfitters three years ago. The veteran-owned upland hunting operation is based in the Flint Hills and offers guided and self-guided bird hunts on private land, supported by experienced guides and well-trained dogs. The business also provides upland and retriever dog training and operates as a licensed Kansas game bird breeder.

After a year of rapid growth, Atkins said he realized that passion and demand weren’t enough.

“I was focused on building a meaningful post-military career,” Atkins said. “But as the business grew, I realized I lacked the business structure and efficiency to sustain that momentum.”

He first heard about the K-State Accelerator through an entrepreneurship class and quickly applied for the Growth Track.

“I recognized it as exactly what I needed,” he said. “The Growth Track offered a practical way to refine my business model, improve operations and learn from experienced mentors. Since joining, it’s been one of the most impactful programs I’ve been part of, both at K-State and throughout my military career.”

From idea to infrastructure

Through workshops, mentor sessions and a dedicated student consulting team, Atkins revisited his business plan “with a critical eye,” identifying inefficiencies and implementing new systems to manage and scale operations.

One of the most tangible outcomes was a hurdle he’d been putting off: a professional website.

“Before the program, that felt like a major hurdle,” he said. “Through the student consulting team and AI workshops, I learned just how accessible that process can be.”

With guidance from the student consultants, Atkins built a functional site using AI tools and launched it through Netlify at minimal cost.

“That experience completely changed my perspective on what I can accomplish with the right knowledge and support,” Atkins said.

He credits faculty, mentors and student consultants with pushing him to think strategically and operate more like a scalable venture than a side business.

“Watching entrepreneurs grow through our Accelerator program is an amazing experience,” said Blair Kocher, associate director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. “Ryan is exactly the kind of client our student consultants love to work with: his openness to feedback allowed them to effectively tackle complex problems. In turn, these students play an essential role in delivering innovative, value-driven solutions for the small businesses we serve.”

One core lesson that stuck was fully separating personal and business finances.

“It sounds simple, but it’s foundational to understanding your true costs and making informed decisions,” Atkins said. “That shift alone has changed how I evaluate every aspect of my business.”

As he looks ahead to the 2026-2027 hunting season, Atkins is focused on strengthening financial systems, improving record-keeping and making more data-driven decisions.

“I’m leaving the program with a much clearer strategy and a more efficient way of operating,” he said. “More importantly, I have the confidence to implement those strategies and continue building momentum.”

An invitation to aspiring and current entrepreneurs

The accelerator program is now accepting applications for fall 2026. Accepted participants will gain access to faculty-led courses, hands-on student consulting research teams, a world-class K-State alumni mentor network, and up to $60,000 worth of equity-free grants.

Participants can apply to one of two accelerator tracks — a six-week Idea Track designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs transform business ideas into proven business models, and an eight-week Growth Track for early-stage startups looking to accelerate their growth and economic impact.

“We designed the tracks to meet Kansas-based aspiring and current entrepreneurs wherever they are on their entrepreneurial journey, providing them with the right resources to help them reach their next milestone,” said Rachel Mui, acting director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship.

“The Accelerator offers a level of support, mentorship and real-world application that’s hard to find elsewhere,” Atkins said. “Between the faculty, mentors and student consultants, you’re surrounded by people who are invested in your success. It’s a well-structured, high-impact program, and the added benefits like scholarships and tech resources make it even more worthwhile.”

Find out more information about the accelerator and how to apply online.