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
Conner Hazelrigg’s Sunshine Box lights up the dark in Haiti
Conner Hazelrigg, 23, never considered herself an entrepreneur. A few years ago, she was a student at William Jewell College, keeping herself busy playing tennis and basketball, and working towards a double major in physics and math. “I always wanted to do something with engineering and architecture — I loved science,” Hazelrigg said. “But I…
KC Crew Riverfront project casts Millenial net with sand volleyball, kickball
A new recreation sports complex is part of a series of developments along Berkley Riverfront Park that hope to attract more Millennials to downtown Kansas City. Kansas City-based rec sports league KC Crew has partnered with Port KC to open six sand volleyball courts and two kickball fields toward the east end of the park,…
What the Flokk? Startup to connect residents with area events
For Trey Rhedrick, the alarm sounds at 5 a.m. He rises before the sun to work at Black & Veatch as a chemical engineer project manager. When finished at 5 p.m., Rhedrick conducts a couple meetings for his other gig before heading home to snarf down dinner. For the next six to eight hours —…
Sprint Accelerator graduate acquired by medical giant
A large California-based health care provider recently announced that it acquired Medicast, a graduate of the Kansas City-based Sprint Mobile Health Accelerator program. Providence St. Joseph Health purchased the firm for an undisclosed amount for its logistics and management platform that automates remote care delivery. In 2014, Medicast participated in the inaugural, three-month program at…