WICHITA State University (WSU) is located in the largest city in Kansas enhancing the classroom experience by providing students greater opportunities in resources, contacts with business and government leaders, employment, and internships.
The Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE), part of the W. Frank Barton School of Business, has gained a national reputation for its programming and its continuing preservation and promotion of entrepreneurial activities. The CFE’s mission is to encourage entrepreneurial thinking and activities through quality education, research, and community involvement. Entrepreneurial degrees are provided at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Undergraduate Entrepreneurship
The Entrepreneurship major requires the completion of the University's general education courses; the business core, which provides the student with exposure to other business functions, required entrepreneurship courses plus directed and approved electives. Business and non-business majors can earn a minor in entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurship students develop skills for understanding risk analysis and opportunity recognition, for problem solving; development of a business strategy for a new or growing venture; for research and writing a business plan; for working with clients; and for acquiring capital. To augment classroom work, students can gain real world experience through different networking opportunities.
Undergraduate entrepreneurship majors are eligible to compete for scholarships totaling more than $75,000 annually.
Student Benefits
WSU attempts to monitor and assist students and alumni to become business owners and regional economic contributors in the state of Kansas. Students across campus are encouraged to appreciate and learn about the entrepreneurial process.
With its urban setting, WSU has a strong relationship with alumni and community members who participate in the many outreach programs sponsored by the CFE. These individuals may be entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, angel investors, members of legal and accounting firms, economic development agencies, and not-for-profits. They participate as judges for the Shocker Business Plan Competition and Forum Series panel, as guest lecturers, and as examples for case studies.
Students are encouraged to broaden their academic experience with domestic and international studies through the exchange programs provided by entrepreneurship student groups: Association of Collegiate Entrepreneurs/Collegiate Entrepreneurship Organizations (ACE/CEO) and Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE).
Unique Entrepreneurship Programs at WSU
Shocker Business Plan Competition: The Shocker Business Plan Competition is the only competition of its nature in the state which is designed to encourage student innovation and venture creation by providing students an opportunity to present new business ideas to local business and community leaders.
BizInc: BizInc is a venture incubator focused on the earliest stages of entrepreneurial business development which accelerates the successful development of start-up companies. BizInc provides targeted resources and services including management guidance, technical assistance, and consulting tailored to young, growing companies.
Entrepreneurship Forum Series for Business Ownership: The Forum Series is an opportunity for students and the community to listen to and ask questions of a panel of professionals, experienced entrepreneurs and support professionals from different fields. Previous topics have included franchising, family owned businesses, acquisitions, start-ups, venture financing, women entrepreneurs, and global entrepreneurship.
Technology Commercialization: With an increase in demand for technology commercialization, WSU recognized the growing opportunity as a means for starting businesses with University-generated intellectual property. Working with University faculty, a course was developed to commercialize technologies with the goal of creating technology start-ups with internships available.
