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
Firebrand Ventures makes 4 investments in Midwest startups
Kansas City-based Firebrand Ventures is kicking off the summer with a series of startup investments. Led by managing director John Fein, Firebrand has signed a quartet of new deals supporting two pairs of tech startups in both Boulder and Austin. “We’re just incredibly excited to invest in these companies,” Fein said. “We think they’re the…
Kauffman Foundation dishes $840K to 8 area accelerators
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is hitting the gas on its support of area accelerator programs. As part of the 2016 KC Accelerator Challenge, the Kauffman Foundation announced Tuesday that it’s awarded a total of $840,000 in grants to eight local venture accelerator programs. “Our goal is to increase entrepreneurial success in Kansas City through…
Efficiency, innovative home construction are cornerstones for Prairie Design Build
David Schleicher was just looking for something to get back on track. In 2012, the president of Prairie Design Build, a house building company located in Kansas City, had watched his then six-year-old business begin to suffer because of the recent recession. Schleicher was desperately seeking a way to keep his head above water, not…
Listen: When the grind gets gloomy, experts discuss mental health challenges and entrepreneurship
About 72 percent of entrepreneurs have self-reported mental health concerns, according to a study done by the University of California San Francisco. More specifically, about 30 percent of entrepreneurs experience depression and about 30 percent experience ADHD, the same study found. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Startland News and Think Big’s May Innovation…