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Users get 3 votes to give out per competition.

Success Message

Failuer Message

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Fostered and Free

Laura

Location

Overland Park

Kansas

United States

SMSD Student Chamber

City:

State:

Country:

School or Organization:

Competition Brief

Welcome to the SMSD Student Chamber's Business Showcase! This is an inspiring business competition designed to highlight PK-12 students who run REAL businesses in the Shawnee Mission School District. The top five business owners with the most votes and highest judge ratings will present their business ideas to a panel of esteemed judges and a vibrant audience on April 30.

Awards at the live April 30 Business Showcase are:

1st Place: $1,100
2nd Place: $600
3rd Place: $300

To learn more or join the Student Chamber, visit www.SMSDChamber.org today!

About

I am a sophomore at ShawneeMission West. I am a foster kid who loves fashion. When I realized I could use clothes to spread awareness, I knew I had to make a business. That's where Fostered and Free comes from. Remember it starts with a loving home.

Problem

You don't have clothes that share your advocacy for foster kids.

Solution

My brand is the solution because it spreads awareness about foster kids.

Audience | Target Market

Gen Z

Learning Outcomes  |  Community Impact

This can impact foster kids in Kansas and hopefully one day it can impact foster kids all around America.

Next Steps

Financial support, connections

 Reflection  |  Other Info

Creating the slides was easy.

Resource  |  Support Needs

Advertisements
Supplies
Designs
College

Special message...
Laura
Comments

From our partners.

New Comment

Thanks for your submission. Your comment is awaiting approval from the educator

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4/24/25, 3:56 PM

This was a fantastic pitch! You showed how informed you are about the market space you are entering by understanding and adding in the gamification that comes with your mascot.

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4/24/25, 3:48 PM

Your video is grate and shows how much work you have put in to a Cotten candy business! I did get lost when reading the written submission as it covers skin care products and not cotton candy. This discrepancy made the pitch unclear but a simple update and clarification would get you back on track in no time.

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4/23/25, 6:42 PM

Great job, Michael!

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4/23/25, 1:35 PM

Great job, Israel!

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4/23/25, 9:21 AM

Example comment

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4/23/25, 9:18 AM

Example comment...abcd.

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4/23/25, 12:19 AM

Great job, Joy!

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4/22/25, 2:11 PM

Great job, Raya!

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4/22/25, 2:13 AM

Great Job!

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4/21/25, 8:52 PM

Great products and it sounds like you already have a business going and could grow it even more!
I am a resource navigator with KC Sourcelink and part of my job is to help new businesses grow by creating an action plan that give free resources in the Kansas City market that helps businesses grow! If you need free, additional support- you can reach out to KC Sourcelink to book a free coaching session.
PS- I am a business owner as well :) (Platos Closet Belton)

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4/21/25, 8:27 PM

Hello! Great idea! I feel your passion and connection to your business idea!
I am a resource partner for KC Sourcelink- https://www.kcsourcelink.com
We provide free resources of over 230 connections to help you build and grow a business.
I am also own a Plato's Closet in Belton, MO ( IG: #platosclosetbeltonmo) and I think it is a wonderful idea to help support identity through clothing. It helps build confidence and individuality.

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4/20/25, 1:26 PM

Great job, Jesiah!

Community comments coming soon!

Want to comment or judge submissions?

Partner today!

Judge Access
Submit Ratings

1- Did not do


2- Little evidence


3- Some requirements met


4- Most requirements met


5- All requirements met

Criteria One:

Idea Clarity & Problem Solving Is the product or service clearly explained? Does it solve a real problem in a meaningful or unique way?

1- Did not do


2- Little evidence


3- Some requirements met


4- Most requirements met


5- All requirements met

Criteria Two:

Customer & Market Fit Are the target customers well defined? Is there an understanding of how to reach them and why they’ll buy?

1- Did not do


2- Little evidence


3- Some requirements met


4- Most requirements met


5- All requirements met

Criteria Three:

Differentiation & Innovation What makes this idea stand out from competitors or the status quo? Is there a clear unique value proposition?

1- Did not do


2- Little evidence


3- Some requirements met


4- Most requirements met


5- All requirements met

Criteria Four:

Team Readiness & Use of Funds Does the team seem prepared to take action? Are proposed uses of funding thoughtful, realistic, and specific?

1- Did not do


2- Little evidence


3- Some requirements met


4- Most requirements met


5- All requirements met

Criteria Five:

Viability & Future Plans Is there a path to launch or scale? Have they made progress (milestones/traction)? Do they have a clear next step?

Total Rating:

1

Thanks for contributing to the growth of young innovators!

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