From initial concepts to business growth, we're here to support you as you build profitable
businesses.
The Center for Entrepreneurship strives to positively impact the university and grow
Wichita’s economy by helping students, faculty and community entrepreneurs learn how
to turn a business idea into a thriving company. We forge strategic partnerships within
the business community to work in concert with existing businesses creating sustainability
as we develop a variety of programs, events, and services designed to address the
unique needs of our community. In these ways, we act as an essential educational and
economic driver for Kansas.
Let's take your entrepreneurial journey to new heights together!
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.
ignitor is where entrepreneurs ignite ideas and build businesses.
ignitor 1.0
A program for innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs wanting to get started moving
their idea forward by learning the start-up process and improving their idea.
Next Session: TBD
ignitor 2.0
Training for innovators and entrepreneurs who have completed ignitor 1.0 or have clearly
defined how their idea solution solves a particular problem. This training will challenge
you to develop and test startup strategies.
Next Session:
September 17, 24 October 1, 15 Tuesdays | 5:30 - 8:00 pm
The Kansas Family Business Forum delves into the keys to longevity and success for
family-owned businesses.
The Kansas Family Business Forum (KFBF) provides a collaborative platform for family-owned
businesses in Kansas to share experiences, strategies, and solutions. Through it's
varied programming, Kansas Family Business Forum empowers owners, managers, and families
with the tools and strategies needed to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.
Information for the new year of programming coming soon!
Growing Rural Businesses equips rural entrepreneurs with essential business skills
and knowledge for business success.
The Growing Rural Businesses (GRB) program is an eight-week certificate program helping
established rural business owners enhance their operations and competitiveness. Led
by industry experts, Growing Rural Businesses provides rural entrepreneurs insights
across various aspects of running a business so that they can make informed strategic
decisions as they grow.
Information for the Fall 2024 session coming soon!
The Shocker New Venture Competition is a platform where student entrepreneurs gain
real-world startup experience.
Offers student entrepreneurs the chance to pitch their ideas, receive feedback from
experts, and launch their business. The Shocker New Venture Competition includes three
rounds, two of which are open to the public, and provides various ways to participate,
from competing to volunteering and sponsoring.
Information for the Spring 2025 competition coming soon!
Clash Build Cash hones essential business skills as students engage in a fun, competitive
game.
A thrilling competition where students build and strategize in the multi-player game
Venture Valley. Clash Build Cash is a fun and fast paced way to test and develop strategic
decision-making and innovative thinking.
Information for the Fall 2024 competition coming soon!
History
The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) was founded in 1977 by Wichita State University
professor Fran Jabara, who decided it was time to change society's image of business
people. With his own funds and university support, Jabara created the first program
under the Center for Entrepreneurship, a workshop titled “Entrepreneurship: Your Future
in Business.”
The Center expanded following the success of the initial workshop. In 1987, with a
large donation from local entrepreneur and WSU alum Tom Devlin, a free-standing building
was erected on campus to house the Center for Entrepreneurship, making WSU one of
the first universities in the world to dedicate a building exclusively to entrepreneurship
education. Not long after, academic programs in entrepreneurship were solidified.
The Center for Entrepreneurship serves emerging entrepreneurs from idea to commercialization
of their venture. Student engagement programs, such as the Shocker New Venture Competition
inspires campus innovation and develops entrepreneurial mindsets. In addition, the
Center serves established entrepreneurs each year through community programs, such
as Growing Rural Businesses and the Kansas Family Business Forum.
Through Wichita State University's W. Frank Barton School of Business both an entrepreneurship
major and an entrepreneurship minor is offered for both business and non-business
majors.