The Don Hackett Support for Entrepreneurialism Fund

The Don Hackett Support for Entrepreneurialism Fund is awarded to Wichita State University Students to remove financial barriers for young entrepreneurs as they explore their startup ideas. Established in 2022 with contributions to the Wichita State University Foundation by alumnus Jeremy Conescu.

Recipients of this award are required to provide a final project report to show the impact of the fund on you and your business venture within 30 days of the project completion.

All full and part-time Wichita State University students are eligible to apply.

Application should answer the following questions in 250 words or less (think elevator pitch):

What problem or market need will the idea address?
What point of pain does it solve?
How your innovation addresses the problem or need?
What makes your solution unique and appealing over others?
What will your funds be used for?
What is your timeframe of completion?

Once you apply, your application will be reviewed. We will reach out to you within two weeks.

Apply Today!

In honor of Dr. Don Hackett

Dr Hackett worked with and inspired many people.

Via his role as a professor at Wichita State University (1974 - 2022), he taught students necessary business and entrepreneurial principles.

Serving as the Director of the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship (1977 - 2005), Dr. Hackett worked with startups and businesses to help them succeed.

This fund celebrates Dr. Hackett's spirit of taking measured risks.

Past Recipients:

Fall 2022

Alayna Boykin applied to create a boutique that supports "... women of all shades, shapes, and sizes."

Mathew Tucker aspires to provide access to music creation for those with disabilities and neurodegenerative diseases.

Made Possible Thanks to...

"Entrepreneurship is an act of defiance that will inspire your entire community to dream, to build, to create. "

-Jeremy Conescu

The Don Hackett Support for Entrepreneurialism Fund was created by Jeremy Conescu, an alumnus of Wichita State University.

Jeremy Conescu comes from a family of patent holders, like his great-grandfather who patented the collapsible six pack bottle carrier. He was chosen by Dr. Hackett to be the first candidate for Wichita State University's Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship. With a background in theater and creative arts, Jeremy uses the skills he learned at WSU's Center for Entrepreneurship to start and run small businesses, create more effective pitches and presentations for clients, and teach business consultants the craft of storytelling.