BOZEMAN — Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship’s 406 Labs is accepting applications for its spring 2022 incubator. The 10-week program aims to help those who have developed business concepts or researched a potential new business to create solid business plans and identify the steps needed to test and clarify their thinking about markets, customers, strategy, financials and more.

All Montana residents and MSU students, faculty, staff and alumni are eligible to apply. The application and detailed information on 406 Labs can be found at montana.edu/business/entrepreneurship/406labs.html. The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Feb. 16.

Pat LaPointe, managing director of Frontier Angels and the founder of Early Stage MT, is the facilitator for the spring group.

406 Labs is also looking for established entrepreneurs and subject matter experts who are interested in mentoring those accepted to the incubator. The mentor application can also be found on the website.

Erik Walnum, co-founder of Unwaffle, a superfood waffle product, and a participant in last spring’s incubator, called the program a pivotal experience for his business.

“It was like a fast-track MBA, putting participants in the driver seat,” Walnum said. “There's no better way to learn than when applying expertly guided strategy and technique directly to your own business."

Anja Kunze, assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and a participant in last spring’s incubator program, called the program a “true eye-opener for her spin-off company.

“Through weekly exercises, we moved our idea closer to a real product, closer to a real business model and, eventually, closer to a real customer market,” Kunze said. “The 406 Labs incubator is the perfect fit and start for every faculty at MSU with entrepreneurial ambitions who aims to bring one aspect of their applied or basic research into the market.”

Questions about 406 Labs and the incubator program may be asked by calling 406-994-4383 or emailing info@msulaunchpad.org.

The Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship offers four undergraduate options of study – accounting, finance, management and marketing – as well as five minors - accounting, business administration, entrepreneurship and small business management, finance, and international business. It also offers a master of professional accountancy degree, master of science in innovation and management, a business certificate and entrepreneurship certificate.

MSU’s Blackstone LaunchPad helps MSU students succeed in entrepreneurship and in their careers. Open to students, faculty, and alumni in all majors, the campus-based LaunchPad provides mentoring, opportunities for participants to grow their networks and resources to help their businesses succeed. For more information, visit montana.edu/launchpad/.