Kansas City Pitch Winners Secure Funding for Community-Focused Startups

Three local entrepreneurs have secured funding to grow their businesses after a pitch competition in Kansas City. The Porter House KC awarded a total of $10,000 to founders whose ventures aim to support communities and fill market gaps. First place went to Ivory Duncan, whose company focuses on neurodiversity education.

Ivory Duncan took home $6,000 for Embracing Neuro-Diversity, a business she launched after her son’s autism diagnosis. The company provides adults with tools and resources to better understand and support neurodiverse children. Duncan’s goal is to change how caregivers and educators interact with neurodivergent youth.

Miriam Gray, founder of **Whoally Oats**, received $3,000 as the runner-up. Her quick-service drive-through specialises in oatmeal bowls, bars, and smoothies. Gray plans to use the funds to form partnerships with local gyms, expanding her health-focused menu. The $1,000 fan favourite prize went to Buford Logan of **Gnocchi Dokey KC**. His business offers private dining, catering, and hands-on cooking classes for adults and young people across the Kansas City area. The Porter House KC’s competition supports underestimated founders, helping them scale their ideas and strengthen the region’s entrepreneurial network.

The $10,000 in prizes will allow the winners to push their ventures forward. Duncan’s neurodiversity training, Gray’s fitness-focused food service, and Logan’s culinary education each address distinct community needs. The funding aims to turn early-stage ideas into sustainable businesses.