Flint Hills Business Launch Celebrates Fall 2023 Graduation, Pitch Competition
Flint Hills Business Launch graduates pose for a photo with their certificates, along with lead facilitator, Tara Geiber (far right) and Executive Director of Spark, Sarah Siders (far left). Photo credit: Spark staff
Manhattan, KS – Monday, November 13, 2023 – Flint Hills Business Launch proudly presents the Fall 2023 class of current and future entrepreneurs who have successfully completed Spark’s core business fundamental class, a 9-week program. The graduation ceremony and pitch competition, featuring 15 participating entrepreneurs and 12 businesses, took place Thursday, November 9, 2023, at the Union Pacific Depot in downtown Manhattan.
This season’s cohort was comprised of entrepreneurs from across Pottawatomie, Riley, and Geary counties in Kansas, who engaged in the twice-annual, virtual class designed for entrepreneurs who are pre-launch through the first three years of operations. The class was facilitated by serial entrepreneur, owner of MHK Caravan Co and K-State Entrepreneurship Instructor, Tara Geiber.
The curriculum, based on the nationally recognized, Kauffman FastTrac® program, provided participants with small group discussions, expert presentations, Q&A sessions, and capital preparation, along with optional mentor matching and peer group follow up. Entrepreneurs were also featured on Spark’s news page and social media, adding crucial visibility to their business.
The graduation event, held Thursday, November 9th, offered an exciting showcase of entrepreneurial talent. The ceremony featured a pitch competition involving 9 businesses, with the winning entrepreneur receiving a $1000 award. Among the sponsors for the Fall 2023 class are: NetWork Kansas, Manhattan Area Chamber of Commerce, and Pottawatomie County Economic Development Corporation (PCEDC), as well as Spark.
The Fall 2023 class participants benefited not only from the course curriculum but also from the mutual support of fellow entrepreneurs. Throughout the program, participants came together for in-person events like the Midway Meetup and Pitch Work Session, fostering connections, networking, and offering practical support such as mutual referrals and feedback.
Similar to the previous class, the graduation was hosted at the Union Pacific Depot in downtown Manhattan. Friends and family were invited to join the graduates in cheering them on as they received their certificates. The event also showcased vendors from the class, including The Dogfather, Shoney Farms and Gofer Toffee, with event photo coverage by Cindy Pulse Photography. Event décor was provided by Business Launch alum, Kiki’s Events. The MHK Caravan Co., a business owned by lead facilitator, Tara Gieber, featured a photo booth and bar, providing a lively atmosphere.
Pitch competition winner, Cathy Jones, second from right, owner of More Than Milk, with graduation pitch competition judges, Dori Bell of Blossom Creative, Tychelle S. Jones of 365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services and Blair Kocher, K-State School of Business. Cathy won $1000 to invest in her business.
The pitch competition, a highlight of the event, was judged by experienced entrepreneurs and mentors. This year’s judging panel includes Dori Bell of Blossom Creative, Blair Kocher, entrepreneur and instructor at K-State School of Business, and Tychelle S. Jones of 365 Days 365 Chances Counseling Services. These seasoned professionals offered valuable feedback and suggestions to the participants, continuing their commitment to supporting the growth of emerging businesses.
Cathy Jones, ICBLC, owner of More Than Milk, a breastfeeding and lactation support business, won the $1000 pitch competition. Jones said she planned to invest the money in marketing and web design to complete her brand and increase her visibility as she continues to grow. She thanked her fellow classmates and facilitators “for the opportunity this class gave to grow in business and friendships.” She said, “This class stretched me more than I thought I would let it, and I’m so glad it did. I am excited for the things to come for all of the classmates and [their] business ventures.”
Following graduation, the support for these entrepreneurs will continue. Graduates will have access to various support options, including mentor-matching and peer group follow-up opportunities. They also received referrals to the Small Business Development Center, ensuring ongoing assistance with business plans and financial projects.
The Flint Hills Business Launch program encourages graduates to remain engaged in the business and entrepreneurship community through networking and education opportunities provided Small Business Development Center, Junction City Main Street, Black Entrepreneurs of the Flint Hills, Women in Entrepreneurship, Flint Hills Vetrepreneur Foundation, the Latino Entrepreneur Association, ArtsMHK, and Spark, as well as our area Chambers of Commerce in Manhattan, Wamego and Junction City.
For more information about some of the participating entrepreneurs and businesses of the Fall 2023 class, visit the link here.