Released July 30, 2007

MANHATTAN, Kan. - Kansas State University Research and Extension and Innovative Solutions are teaming up to launch a new entrepreneurship networking program starting in September called Last Tuesdays.

Innovative Solutions is a Manhattan, Kan.-based not-for-profit business organization with a mission to increase wealth in communities.

Scientists, researchers, students, business people and investors will get together on the last Tuesday of every month to network, learn about each other´s activities and create opportunities for business development.

"The sole purpose of Last Tuesdays is to bring together the right players and facilitate business creation and wealth development in Manhattan and across Kansas," said Vincent Amanor-Boadu, who is the executive director of Innovative Solutions and a K-State agribusiness professor.

"When connections are made among entrepreneurs, researchers and investors, magic can happen," Amanor-Boadu said.

Kent Glasscock, president of a technology acquisition and commercialization organization based in Manhattan, said Last Tuesdays is a positive program.

"It is a program that can transform and accelerate the rate of technology commercialization in our community," Glasscock said.

The first event will be Sept. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the K- State Alumni Center. Appetizers will be provided and a cash bar will be available.

Each event will feature an entrepreneur or investor who shares insight about their business, financing process, or a particular initiative they are seeking to fund. There will also be two young entrepreneurs who will present their idea or business to the group.

Kansas State Bank is sponsoring the first event, and bank chief executive officer, Phil Howe, said they are happy to be a part of the program because they believe in its purpose.

"This is the right idea at the right time for both the community and the university," Howe said.

Registration details and more information are available by contacting Innovative Solutions at 785-532-3358 or on the Last Tuesdays Web site http://www.lasttuesdays.net.

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http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/sty/2007/entrepreneurship_program073007.htm

Contacts: Innovative Solutions, (785) 532-3358

Vincent Amanor-Boadu, (785) 532-3520

Writer: Cynthia Hoffman, cynthiahoffman@agecon.ksu.edu