Wichita State University
Resources for Innovators and Industry
Resources for Innovators or New Businesses
Wichita State University Resources
- Center for Economic Development and Business Research provides research to governments, businesses, and nonprofit agencies throughout Kansas.
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Center for Entrepreneurship fosters and promotes entrepreneurial thinking through a wide range of academic and community programs.
- Kansas APEX Accelerator Kansas APEX Accelerator offers assistance to small businesses to help secure government contracts.
- Kansas Small Business Development Center offers free consultation services and affordable training to grow Kansas entrepreneurs. It also makes available an excellent guide to additional resources available to assist entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in south central Kansas.
- The Patent & Trademark Research Center maintains a collection of resources necessary for preliminary patent and trademark research.
- WSU Ablah Library's Entrepreneurship LibGuide has a large list of helpful resources for Market Research (some are only available to WSU/internal users but there are helpful free ones listed).
Patent & Trademark Resources
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Google Patent Search covers the entire collection of granted patents and published patent applications from the USPTO, the European Patent Office and the World Intellectual Property Organization
- Patent & Trademark Depository Library at Wichita State University maintains a collection of resources necessary for preliminary patent and trademark research.
- US Patent & Trademark Office (USPTO) is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks.
Kansas FAST
- SBIR/STTR Funding | Kansas FAST The Kansas Federal and State Technology Partnership Program (FAST) provides resources to small businesses seeking SBIR and STTR funding, including technical assistance with solicitation matching, proposal development and review, market research, coaching, networking and mentoring opportunities, and financial support to cover a portion of proposal development costs, all aimed at increasing the number of successful SBIR applications from Kansas small businesses.
- SBIR/STTR: America's Seed Fund Through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, America’s Seed Fund awards non-dilutive funding to develop your technology and chart a path toward commercialization.
Research, Design, and Testing
- NIAR is known globally for our expertise in the most critical areas of aerospace R&D including composites and advanced materials, digital twin and advanced manufacturing technologies such as automated and additive manufacturing. We provide research, design, testing, certification and training to manufacturing industries and government agencies including the U.S. Department of Defense.
Workforce
- Shocker Career Accelerator is your gateway to a talented pool of exceptional WSU Shockers from GED to Ph.D. They possess the education, skills, and professional experience you need to take your organization into the future.
- Kansas Department of Commerce (PEAK, KIT, KIR, WOTC, Workforce AID, and Registered Apprenticeships)
- Workforce Center of South-Central Kansas (One Workforce, TAA, WIOA)
Capital Investment, Machinery & Equipment
- Kansas Department of Commerce (HPIP and other tax exemptions)
Other Resources
- Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Kansas serves as the gateway for the Department of War (DoW) to engage with regional businesses, academic institutions, and state organizations in Kansas. Committed to discovering and deploying vital solutions to support our warfighters, the hub leverages strategic partnerships to drive innovation, efficiency, and impact in every mission.
- GoCreate A creative community workspace open to creators of all ages and experiences. Bring an idea and we will help make it come to life! The 18,000-square-foot space offers sophisticated tools and equipment, as well as expert training and a supportive community that can help make your prototypes, projects and dreams come true.
- Groover Labs A collaborative working environment where entrepreneurs and tech workers can get support and share ideas. Provides members access to advanced equipment as well as a place to collaborate and learn new skills. The large maker and prototyping space features digital fabrication tools such as large format laser cutters, multiple styles of 3D printers and plastic forming tools, an electronics lab with PCB assembly tools, along with well stocked wood and metal shops.
- Kansas APEX Accelerator Kansas APEX Accelerator counselors are prepared to assist Kansas businesses to help with securing local, state, and federal government contracts. Assistance and services provided by the APEX Accelerator include daily bid-matching, bid preparation assistance, specifications and standards, registrations and certifications, procurement/price history, and training seminars.
- Kansas Department of Commerce Administers programs and services to support businesses, grow the economy and improve the quality of life across Kansas.
- Kansas Small Business Development Centers A statewide, inter-institutional program to enhance economic growth in Kansas by
providing management, marketing, and technical assistance to small businesses. Professional
business advisors are available in 7 Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and
several outreach centers across the state. Whether it's an existing business looking to boost sales or a start-up trying to get
off the ground, we provide our customers with quality and professional care.
- Network Kansas assists entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout the state of Kansas by providing a portal that connects entrepreneurs and small business owners with resources.
- NXTUS helps grow startup, strengthen innovation culture and build support systems.
- Small Business Administration (SBA) provides small business loans and assistance programs and initiatives to aid and inform small businesses.
- USDA Rural Development
- Wichita Public Library's small business support page has multiple resources including databases for research, business librarian support, and collaboration space.
- Wichita SCORE mentors provide entrepreneurs with in-depth industry specific business assistance to assist in evaluating ideas and business plans.
