By BLAIR KOCHER
KSU College of Business Administration
MANHATTAN — Kansas State University's College of Business Administration has awarded $60,000 in funding to promising community and student entrepreneurs through the K-State Accelerator program. The competitive program supports founders at all stages of early venture development through two tailored tracks: the idea track and the growth track.
The program, led by K-State's Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship, empowers innovators from across Kansas with education, mentorship and access to capital — strengthening the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem and accelerating the launch of new ventures.
Accelerator idea track supports early-stage entrepreneurs
Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs with a strong concept but limited validation or early traction, the idea track provides a foundation for building and testing high-potential business ideas. Participants engage in a six-week, in-person program. This track helps early-idea founders develop business models, understand customer needs, and strengthen their go-to-market strategies.
Entrepreneurs participating in the idea track included:
• Wesley Adolph, sophomore in finance, Beloit
• Lakin Denny, senior in entrepreneurship and innovation, Colby
"What meant the most to me was the encouragement through every interview and conversation because it helped me realize my idea wasn't just possible, but worth investing in," said Mandy Simmons, idea track participant. "It ultimately gave me the push to take the final step and start my business."
The idea track culminated in a competition, with Alblooshi taking first place, Simmons taking second and Borberg placing third. Graves earned the Most Improved award.
Accelerator growth track takes startups to the next level
The growth track is built for startups that have generated initial sales or established proven business models and are ready to accelerate progress. This eight-week online program provides workshops led by K-State faculty, access to student consultant teams and engagement with a world-class K-State alumni mentor network.
Startups participating in the growth track included:
• JoEllyn Argabright, Grass Roots Farms, Atwood
• Matthew Fulkerson, Atlas Ad Astra Missile Silo Adventure Resort, Wilson
"I truly appreciate the consultants' insights," said Cynthia Maddock, growth track entrepreneur. "The information was particularly invaluable; it highlighted a problem we didn't even realize we had, and it was an easy fix on our end."
Two growth track founders were recognized with awards: Maddock received the Mentor's Choice Award, and Argabright was honored with the Spirit of Innovation Award.
About the K-State Accelerator
The College of Business Administration's Accelerator program is a hybrid initiative that provides education, mentorship, consulting resources and equity-free funding to early-stage startups. Open to both students and community members, the program is part of K-State's broader mission to foster innovation and support the growth of Kansas-based ventures.
"We are proud to support these 21 startups as they drive innovation across Kansas," said Blair Kocher, assistant director of the Center for the Advancement of Entrepreneurship. "We look forward to continuing to grow the program next semester when we welcome a new cohort of small businesses ready to launch and scale their ventures."
Visit the K-State Accelerator webpage for more information about the program or to apply for the next cohort.