Wichita State
University uses
AI to help launch
local businesses.

The Business Challenge

Wichita State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship (CFE) runs a public-facing, tiered small business incubator. Amid funding cuts, staff reductions, and an uncertain economy, the Director needed one platform that could do the work of ten people—without sacrificing quality or personal connection.

The Strategic Solution

• AI-Powered Gap Analysis: Spark reads each applicant’s responses, researches their business idea, and generates a detailed 10-page Gap Analysis for administrators. Staff can review, annotate, and improve both the report and the model itself over time.
• Deep-Dive Investor Analysis: Months of fine-tuned prompt engineering ensure each report begins with what the founder did well, then identifies opportunities to improve across eight core business dimensions.
• Curated Experience: Spark guides entrepreneurs through a dynamic set of investor-style questions—helping founders refine their business ideas while preparing the CFE for more productive meetings.
• Supportive Voice and Tone: Designed to sound like your favorite high school science teacher—helpful, encouraging, and clear—Spark builds confidence rather than intimidation.

The Measurable Outcome

• 95% reduction in onboarding time: Founders complete the Spark intake before the first meeting, arriving prepared with investor-level insight.
• 75% reduction in admin time: The intake replaces two early-stage meetings and hours of transcription and research, allowing staff to jump directly to the strategic phase.

Key Takeaways for Business Leaders

1. Design for Ease, Not Flash: The best AI products disappear into the workflow—reducing friction rather than showcasing technology.
2. Automate the Repetitive, Amplify the Human: AI should handle intake, analysis, and prep so staff can focus on high-impact strategy and mentorship.
3. Build Systems That Learn: Continuous feedback loops between humans and AI compound efficiency and insight over time.