Entrepreneur’s pitch: Throw a life vest to those caring for loved ones with special needs

Families of loved ones with disabilities are fighting the clock, said Samantha Lane, Kansas City-area entrepreneur and founder of Lumina Advocacy and Coaching in Gardner.

“There is a huge gap to be filled,” Lane said as she described the array of physical, intellectual, and sensory needs affecting — what she referenced as one-fifth of the American population — families just like her own.

Lane’s 14-year-old sister, Kimber, is living with a diagnosis of Autism, CP and Developmental Delay. It’s a set of circumstances that has inspired her to pitch a software system designed to lighten the load of families caring for individuals with special needs.

Facing day-to-day routines that center heavily around such tasks as appointment scheduling and doctor visits, families are losing out on quality time together, Lane said.

“Having an accessible, user-friendly management system will minimize the amount of time spent coordinating and maximize the amount of time spent with family,” she said.

The entrepreneur is set pitch her software concept Tuesday to a panel of judges at the Finnovation Lab — a social business incubator and accelerator — hosted by Finnegans brewing company in Minneapolis.

“This platform is a way to toss out a life vest and say, ‘We — your compassionate neighbor — see you working your tail off and we’re here for you,’” Lane said.

If accepted as one of five Finnovation fellows, Lane would receive funding that will allow her to fully realize her concept, business mentoring, and the opportunity to benefit from entrepreneurial curriculum, she said.

Finalists are expected to be chosen by Finnegans on Thursday.