Registering momentum: Pitch winner gains traction with care support tech platform

The winning company at Thursday’s Square One small business pitch competition continues to evolve as audiences — along with patients, caregivers, and partners — get a closer look at the Kansas City-built tech platform’s personalized support registries and guided planning, said Amy Steinhour.

“Pitching at Square One was exciting, especially because we had just five minutes to explain a problem that is deeply personal to our team: families facing a serious diagnosis often have people who want to help, but no simple way to turn that goodwill into the support they actually need,” said Steinhour, co-founder of GiftWellSoon, which earned first place and a $5,000 cash prize at the event.

GiftWellSoon is a care-support platform that helps people facing illness, caregiving, recovery and other difficult life moments to organize and receive meaningful support. Steinhour and co-founder Kristen Beck recently completed a NXTSTAGE Enterprise Engagement Series cohort in Wichita and were just awarded funding of up to $20,000 from Digital Sandbox KC.

GiftWellSoon co-founders Amy Steinhour and Kristen Beck stand with their business’ booth during a pitch competition organized by Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One Small Business Center

Pitching at the local event — organized by Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One Small Business Center — stood out because Steinhour was able to share the company’s story with local community and get real-time feedback on whether messaging resonated, she said.

“The win feels like a meaningful sign of momentum for GiftWellSoon,” Steinhour said. “We’re seeing growing interest from families and care organizations, and this recognition gives us another opportunity to bring the support registry to people who need it.”

“Our next step is to keep learning from patients and caregivers, and learning from partners such as HR leaders, care navigators and clinicians,” she continued, noting GiftWellSoon plans to use the pitch competition prize money to improve its user experience and support materials for enterprise pilots it will soon deploy. “We’re also building partnerships that can help more families find GiftWellSoon at the moment they need support.”

Intended for both established and aspiring business owners alike, Thursday’s event required competitors to be making less than $100,000 a year through their ventures. GiftWellSoon faced five other small businesses that ranged from health and transportation companies to operations aimed at serving children.

Jenny Metz and Mitch Thaemert, Bergwood, stand with their business' booth during a pitch competition organized by Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One Small Business Center

Luke “Skippy” Harbur, who leads “Skippy the Drum Machine," pitches LSH Productions during a competition presented by Mid-Continent Public Library’s Square One Small Business Center; photo courtesy of Mid-Continent Public Library

Funded through a grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, a $3,000 second-place prize was awarded to Bergwood, a manufacturer of handcrafted kids products and furniture — led by Mitch Thaemert and Jenny Metz — with a goal of making homes and space more navigable for children.

“We design everything that we make around the idea that kids should be really able to access things more themselves, and that what they can access influences what they’re able to do for themselves,” Metz said in a video explaining the business. “So, for example, we make bookshelves that kids can see the covers and they can easily choose which book they want, and wardrobes so kids can choose their own clothing.”

Luke “Skippy” Harbur, LSH Productions, left, reacts after being named the 3rd place winner at Square One’s pitch competition; photo courtesy of Mid-Continent Public Library

A $1,000 third-place prize went to LSH Productions, which creates “thought-provoking multi-generational experiences” through dozens of live shows across the Midwest.

“I really love focusing on live arts, music, and entertainment, but my big mission is to make sure that through LSH Productions, you get to celebrate your authenticity, combat social isolationism and ultimately know that there should be no barrier to enjoy high-quality live arts experiences,” said founder Luke “Skippy” Harbur, who leads “Skippy the Drum Machine,” a beatboxing kids show.

Additional competitors at Thursday’s competition included Brad Dulny, Arrive Unlimited; Hali Rauer, Full Circle: End-of-Life Doula Services; and Savannah Taube, Vital Path Wellness.

“The Square One Small Business Center team is so proud of all the competitors and vendors who participated in our 2026 Small Business Pitch Competition and Showcase, and we congratulate the winners on their well-deserved accomplishment,” said Ashley Muffit, Square One director. “We love offering this event because it’s so rewarding to see the talented, innovative entrepreneurs located right in our own backyards and then we get to support their efforts through the generosity of the Kauffman Foundation.”