A local Black-woman-owned business is in the running for a million dollars, but the public can help them win at least $25,000.
KC-based startup AskSAMIE has landed a spot as a finalist in the Black Ambition Prize Competition, founded by creative mogul Pharrell Williams. The Black Ambition Prize, launched by Williams in 2020, aims to support Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs in breaking down barriers and excelling in their ventures.
Dr. Brandy Archie, founder of AskSAMIE is competing for up to $1 million in funding. The company helps people age in place through adaptive equipment and resources.
Archie honed AskSAMIE during her time as a cohort in LaunchKC’s Social Venture Studio at the Keystone Innovation District. That four-month program, overseen by Keystone, helps entrepreneurs with professional support, grant awards ranging from $20,000-$40,000, temporary office space, mentoring, and network connections to strengthen their social venture business concepts.
“It was a true accelerator in the fact that it gave me way more to learn and grow with each week than I could have acquired on my own, even over a year or two,” said Archie. “I am proud to be developing a social venture and am confident I can continue to progress to the next level.”
To qualify for the Black Ambition Prize, ventures like AskSAMIE must demonstrate progress beyond the concept stage and have raised no more than $1 million in funding. AskSAMIE advanced through a rigorous selection process, starting with thousands of applicants in May. By summer, 250 semifinalists joined a three-month mentorship program.
Now, as one of 40 finalists, AskSAMIE receives additional support. Finalists benefit from personalized pitch coaching and a learning lab series developed by a global law firm. These sessions cover topics like fundraising, trademarks, commercial contracts, and intellectual property protection.
“While the merit awards of up to $1M (yes I’m saying it again!) are chosen by a committee, YOU can help us win the $25,000 Public Voting Award,” wrote Archie on social media.
The public can support AskSAMIE’s journey by participating in the Popular Venture Award voting. The finalist with the most votes by Oct. 23 will receive an additional $25,000 prize. Voting takes about 30 seconds and can be done through the Black Ambition website, BlackAmbitionPrize.com/public-voting-campaign.
How To Vote for AskSamie
If you’d like to help AskSAMIE win the Public Voting Award and $25,000, vote by Oct 23. You can vote by following this link bit.ly/VoteAskSAMIE or on the Black Ambition website, BlackAmbitionPrize.com/public-voting-campaign.
A demo day — think “Shark Tank” — where finalists pitch their business ventures to a committee will take place in November. The Black Ambition Prize winners will be announced as a result of the demo day.
About AskSAMIE
Regardless of the outcome, AskSAMIE’s selection as a finalist highlights its potential to impact the aging-in-place market significantly.
AskSAMIE emerged from Archie’s experience as an occupational therapist. She repeatedly encountered patients struggling to get necessary home equipment quickly, often due to insurance coverage gaps. This challenge frequently led to premature moves from home as abilities changed.
“My 16 years of experience working with older adults has led me to believe that accessibility should be a right instead of a privilege,” says Archie.
The startup offers three main services to bridge this gap:
1. On-demand assessment
2. Phone consultations for specific questions
3. Virtual visits for in-depth solutions
Beyond equipment recommendations, AskSAMIE emphasizes education. The platform features caregiver training video courses on topics ranging from using a Hoyer lift to preventing back injuries. A resource base provides articles on aging in place, while product pages explain the clinical rationale behind each item.
Archie’s venture addresses a growing need as the U.S. population ages. By offering tailored solutions and education, AskSAMIE aims to make aging in place accessible to more people, regardless of their changing abilities.
About the Black Ambition Prize
Black Ambition addresses a persistent issue in startup funding. Recent studies show Black-owned startups received just 1.2% of U.S. venture funding in 2021, with Hispanic founders faring only slightly better at 2%. The prize aims to close this opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship.
“The talent is there,” said Pharrell Williams. “But the opportunity isn’t. Black Ambition is bridging that gap.”
The Black Ambition Prize awards are simple agreements for future equity (SAFE). Up to 50% or a maximum of $250,000 of the prize counts toward Black Ambition’s investment stake, while the remainder serves as free capital for the business.
