Entrepreneurship Accelerator Program

***Applications for Fall 2026 are now closed. Check back soon to meet our cohort!***

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur with a great idea looking to take the next step? Or have you already started a business and are ready to scale? The Center for Entrepreneurship Accelerator program is here to help!

The Accelerator provides Kansas-based entrepreneurs with access to world-class K-State faculty, students, and alumni support to help launch or grow their business. The accelerator now provides two separate tracks.

Idea track:

• Accepting 10-15 participants for Fall 2026
• Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs with a great idea but have yet to validate market demand or generate sales
• 6-week in-person program (from the weeks of 10/12 to 11/16) with one 1-hour in-person workshop weekly at K-State’s College of Business in Manhattan
• Participating entrepreneurs will receive:
  • Custom startup lessons designed and delivered by top K-State faculty
  • Access to student consultants or research teams (optional)
  • Access to up to $10,000 for top-performing venture ideas

 

Growth track:

• Accepting 10 entrepeneurs for Fall 2026
• Designed for innovative Kansas-based startups who have generated some sales but are still in their early stage, or startups with proven business models looking to strengthen their competitive position
• 8-week online program (the weeks of 9/29 to 11/17); program will conclude with an in-person final ceremony the week of 11/16
• Participating entrepreneurs will receive:
  • Online and in-person workshops
  • Access to student consultants or research teams
  • Access to a world-class K-State alumni mentor network
  • Access to up to $50,000 for top-performing venture ideas

 

Fall 2026 Application Timeline

8/15 – Application opens

9/13 – Application closes

9/14 – Online interviews (for the growth track)

9/23– Participants are announced (Selected applicants must confirm by 9/25)

Fall 2026 Program Timeline

The idea track: 10/12-11/16

• Once a week in-person faculty workshop (time/date TBD based on participant availability)

The growth track: 9/29-11/17

• Bi-Weekly online synchronous check-ins (time/date TBD based on participant availability)
• Online asynchronous workshops, as well as private meetings with mentors and student consulting research teams

Program will conclude the week of 11/17 with an in-person closing ceremony.

Dates are tentative and subject to change.

 

 

 

 

Questions?

Check out our FAQ or email entrepreneur@ksu.edu.