Entrepreneurship Program
Pittsburg State University’s Entrepreneurship Program provides best-in-class curriculum in courses that can be applied toward an Entrepreneurship Certificate (12 hours) or an Entrepreneurship Minor (18 hours). The Entrepreneurship Program also serves as a catalyst for the regional Pittsburg community in conjunction with the downtown development known as Block 22. Pitt State students keen on innovation and entrepreneurship are encouraged to get involved with the Pitt State Entrepreneurs' Society or the Pitt State Ai Club which can both be found on the Gorilla Engage app. The Entrepreneurship program also coordinates the community of Kelce students who occupy the 3rd floor of the Hotel Besse. Also, follow us on Instagram.
Mission and Goals
Our mission: We empower students to cultivate creativity, confidence, and problem-solving expertise so they may transform their bold ideas into innovative solutions that drive economic growth, address societal issues, and provide professional fulfillment.
Mantra: Like Minds, Different Majors
- Goal 1: Create and deliver vetted curricula that builds expertise in innovation knowledge and entrepreneurship skills so students can contribute to the world around them.
- Goal 2: Engage students in mentor-focused co-curricular experiences in a low-stakes, social, supportive, and fun environment so that innovation and entrepreneurship become second nature.
- Goal 3: Exemplify an interdisciplinary appeal to all four colleges, empowering students of every major to integrate innovating thinking and entrepreneurial skills into their chosen fields to drive transformative impact.
- Goal 4: Build community builders within the student body so they can contribute to the local entrepreneurial ecosystems and then be equipped to carry forward in life those experiences to the next communities.
Events
PAST EVENTS
Idea Fest 2026: This trade show was a low-stakes event that allowed Pitt State students to showcase the current ventures and test new product ideas. Pop-ups sold merchandise and food. Dozens of judges awarded scholarships. Every exhibitor received feedback and validation.
Idea Fest 2026 Story Link | Video LinkFUTURE EVENTS
Wicked Problems: Thursday, October 29, 2026 | 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm| Kelce Lobby Downtown
A student trade show for the community to brainstorm with Pitt State students using Innovation & Entrepreneurship & Creativity to tackle wicked messy problems. Student Registration - Reserve a Table
Idea Fest 2027: Thursday, March 25, 2027 | 11 am – 1 pm | Overman Student Center Ballroom
Featuring student ventures, new product testing, Artist Alley (student art sales), and Ideation Row (problems seeking solutions for aspiring entrepreneurs).
Reserve space to exhibit your venture, side hustle, or pop-up. Sell merch. Get clients. Network. Win scholarships. Student Exhibitor Registration Form
Speaker Series
2025 Speaker: Larry Tangel, Enercon Engineering. Topic: "Going Global."
CEO Larry Tangel tells how his father, Ed Tangel, started Enercon Engineering in a garage in Peoria, Illinois fifty years ago and together they scaled the family business model . . . having FUN in the process! Enercon, designs and manufactures precision-engineered switchgear, control panels, generator docking stations, and power packaging systems. Now they have products in 110 countries and facilities in 8 countries.
Contact Information:
Dr. Jane Talkington
Kelce College of Business
Kelce 212
Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS 67662
(620) 235-4957