3 Day Startup program allows OSU students to get student-run businesses off the ground

Friday, November 14, 2014

Kendall Gibson has spent the last year dreaming of running her own business that will aid online animal adoption but the 23-year-old Oklahoma State University business student had no idea where to start when it comes to launching a web or app-based business. Gibson and 57 other OSU students will receive the expertise they need to kick start new student-run companies thanks to the Riata Center for Entrepreneurship’s new 3 Day Startup program. The Riata Center’s 3 Day Startup program will be Nov. 21-23 at Kicker World Headquarters in Stillwater. The three-day program is an entrepreneurship education program designed for university students with an emphasis on learning by doing. The idea is simple: start tech companies over the course of three days. “I signed up for 3DS to gain more hands on experience and network with other students that are interested in starting their own business” Gibson said. “I'm excited to work with students from across campus. Plus, we get food and energy drinks all weekend. Who would want to turn that down?” Students from across all disciplines are taking advantage of this free program offered by the Riata Center, including students from the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology, and the College of Human Sciences. The OSU 3 Day Startup program begins at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21, and concludes at 4 p.m. Sunday when students pitch their business ideas to a group of local professionals. The final pitches are open to the public. “Kicker is excited to host the 3DS weekend at our facility,” said Steve Irby, president of Stillwater Design/ Kicker. “As a garage startup ourselves 41 years ago, we love the entrepreneurial spirit that this event champions.” Oklahoma State’s event is one of more than 130 programs on five continents that have launched numerous student-run companies that have received millions of dollars in funding.