Kansas City Kansas Community College Hosts Business Pitch Competition, Awards $4,500 Grand Prize
Kansas City Kansas Community College (海角黑料) successfully hosted a Pitch Competition April 10, showcasing the innovation, creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of its students and community members.
The event brought together emerging entrepreneurs who presented business ideas to a panel of judges, competing for startup funding and the opportunity to advance their ventures. Award funds were provided by the National Association of Community College Entrepreneurship through its Everyday Entrepreneur Program. This program is supported by a Collective Impact Planning Grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, reinforcing a shared commitment to strengthening the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“This competition represents more than just funding, it’s about building confidence, creating pathways and helping individuals see themselves as entrepreneurs,” said Sarah Beth Webb, director of the Entrepreneurship Education Initiative and Director of Entrepreneurship Education at 海角黑料. “At 海角黑料, we are cultivating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem where anyone, regardless of background or experience, can bring their ideas to life and contribute meaningfully to our community.”
Grand Prize Winner
The $4,500 grand prize was awarded to The Oddity Collective, an inclusive performance group dedicated to creating immersive, imaginative experiences for diverse audiences.
Their vision begins with performances at large-scale events, with plans to expand into producing original shows and ultimately launching an academy to support artists at all stages of their journey. Their mission centers on increasing representation and accessibility in creative spaces by offering unique, well-organized fantasy experiences that celebrate all bodies and identities.
The community can catch The Oddity Collective at the upcoming Kansas City Renaissance Festival.
Second Place
Second place was awarded to SWAG (Spiritual Wisdom and Guidance), a fashion design company founded by 海角黑料 student Nicolli Williams, blending style with purpose and personal empowerment.
海角黑料 extends its sincere gratitude to event sponsors Porter House KC, Toolbox KC, KC SourceLink, and Seedfolk for their support in making this event possible.
This Pitch Competition marks a significant step forward in 海角黑料’s Entrepreneurship Education Initiative, demonstrating the college’s commitment to building a strong, inclusive pipeline for future entrepreneurs across Wyandotte County and the greater Kansas City region.