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
A chip on former Mizzou receiver Tommy Saunders’ shoulder fuels his fitness tech firm
Editor’s note: This content is sponsored by LaunchKC but independently produced by Startland News. “This is for everyone who doubted me.” That’s a phrase Tommy Saunders has been saying to himself for years. Saunders said it after being denied scholarship offers and earned a walk-on spot as a wide receiver for the University of Missouri.…
Young KC entrepreneurs to learn from veteran innovators Fishback, Costello
Young entrepreneurs in the area are set to cultivate their skills with an upcoming event connecting them with successful Kansas City business leaders. On Nov. 14, HatchPad Engage! Kansas City will host a panel, fireside chat and pitch competition geared toward entrepreneurial youth that are still in school or are recent graduates. HatchPad CEO Heather…
Meet the leaders driving Black & Veatch’s entrepreneurial revival
In June, Kansas City construction giant Black & Veatch kicked off an effort to accelerate new, innovative ideas by adopting a concept common among startups. The Overland Park-based corporation launched the B&V Growth Accelerator, which hopes to challenge the global firm’s traditional methods of generating and launching ideas. Black & Veatch — which works with…
One Kansas City startup survives national Kauffman contest
After about a month of public deliberation, the 1 in a Million pitch competition has narrowed participating startups down to a top five — and one hails from Kansas City. Although five area companies advanced to the top 40, The Grooming Project is last startup standing from Kansas City. A panel of Kauffman fellows will…