Library’s small biz pitch competition returning with Kauffman backing, cash prizes

Prize money from Square One’s spring pitch competition helped Zoe Mays invest in the equipment and ingredients needed to expand her business’ presence this summer at the freshly renovated and rebooted Overland Park Farmers Market.

Mays said the $5,000 grand prize was a game changer for Scream Queens, her vegan ice cream business.

“Just having the opportunity to prepare for the pitch was instrumental in moving my business forward,” the firefighter/paramedic-turned-entrepreneur said. “Thinking deeply, crunching numbers, and organizing my thoughts about the past, present, and future of Scream Queens made me feel more confident in my business concept and better prepared for future challenges.”

ICYMI: Vegan ice cream maker proves her treats can take the heat of competition

Prize winners at Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One Small Business Center March pitch competition: Zoe Mays, Scream Queens; Rachel Miller, Fika Coffee KC; and Jaresha Rhone, Cake-A-Boo; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Organized by Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One Small Business Center, the pitch competition is now accepting applications for another “Shark Tank-style” event, giving local entrepreneurs the chance to secure funding in support of their unique and innovative business ideas.

Six finalists are expected to be selected to give final pitches Sept. 24 at the Auditorium at Woodneath Library Center, 8900 NE Flintlock Road. Funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, the top three winners — selected by the panel of judges — will walk away with cash prizes of $5,000, $3,000, and $1,000.

Click here to apply. The deadline is July 19.

Raul Holguin pitches his business Papis Tacos KC in March during a pitch competition organized by Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One Small Business Center; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Finalists will have the opportunity to attend a series of Square One programs before the competition to enhance their pitches, including Perfect Your Pitch and How to Rock Your Business Booth.

To qualify for the pitch competition, applicants must make less than $100,000 a year, be able to attend the fall showcase, and reside in the Kansas City metropolitan area. Intended for both established and aspiring business owners alike, competitors do not have to be a legal business entity to apply.

During the Sept. 24 showcase, competitors and other business owners who have worked with Square One, or attended a program in the past, can set up a booth about their services for fellow attendees to explore.

The library’s first pitch competition in September 2025, crowned Rasheedah Villarreal, founder of Social Emotional Yoga with Mrs. V, as its first place winner. Her prize money was used to expand her program, which works to build resilience and emotional regulation, particularly among youth.