AltCap launches small business competition in KC
September 9, 2015 | Ashley Jost
After a recent rebrand, Kansas City-based AltCap is back with a new small business competition aimed at local entrepreneurs.
AltCap program manager Christine Kahm said their first program is seeking to aid those businesses who aren’t looking for venture capital funds or angel investors, but who do need help getting their business idea off of the ground. AltCap – short for alternative capital – was the product of KCMO CDE’s rebrand last month.
“We’re trying to provide an opportunity for folks who are either in business and maybe struggling and want to grow, or those with an idea who need help getting it off of the ground,” Kahm said.
The program is a competition, and entering is free. Cash prizes for the top three finalists range from $500 to $5,000.
It is geared more toward “people who are looking to build a lifestyle and help provide for their family with their business idea,” Kahm said.
In addition to the cash prizes, the finalists also receive a scholarship to AltCap’s 16-week business-building workshop, marketing assistance, help finding office or retail space and consulting services.
The application is free, which Kahm said she hopes motivates anyone who is interested to consider it. Applicants have to submit a one- to two-minute video pitch about their business idea to AltCap by Sept. 30. Those that make it past round one will submit business proposals and financial templates to progress further in the competition.
2015 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
CPR alert! KC Fire adopting tech to notify bystanders of cardiac arrest
Embracing innovation and collaboration, the Kansas City Fire Department is expected to launch technology this month that is designed to notify residents trained in CPR when a person in their vicinity experiences sudden cardiac arrest and is awaiting first responders. Sudden cardiac arrest is responsible for about 350,000 deaths a year, according to the American…
KC’s Site 1001 eyes Raleigh as next smart city, opens innovation office
Following the firm’s $6 million raise earlier this month, Kansas City-based Site 1001 recently announced it selected the city of Raleigh, North Carolina, for a new office and innovation center. A technology spin out from Kansas City construction giant JE Dunn Construction, the firm said in a release that it plans to work with Raleigh’s…
Voting open: KC-based efforts vie for spots among SXSW 2018 panels
SXSW 2018 is still six months away, but members of the Kansas City startup community need supporters’ help now to land a coveted spot on the Austin-based conference’s panel lineup for March. At least three proposals with KC ties are among those being considered during SXSW’s PanelPicker Community Voting process, which runs through Aug. 25.…
OYO Fitness flexes muscles internationally after $1M in US crowdfunding
The pressure isn’t letting up for OYO Fitness. With nearly $1 million in sales via crowdfunding already banked, the Kansas City-based fitness firm hopes to add more muscle to its brand by expanding into Asia. After previous success on U.S.-based Kickstarter and Indiegogo, OYO (On Your Own) Fitness launched its collapsible, portable gym product last…