Digital Sandbox KC continues to expand its network – this time by partnering with a St. Joseph-based startup.
With Toss It Curbside, customers can leave unwanted objects on the curb, and the startup will find a way to get those things to a charity or a recycler.
Digital Sandbox KC will help Toss It Curbside’s founders, Aaron Brennan and Pedro Fernandez, to sharpen their app and online presence, which will prepare them to enter new markets.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the support from St. Joseph and the funding from the Sandbox,” Brennan said. “We’re expanding rapidly. This funding will help get our business to the next step and fit the needs of our customers.”
It’s all part of a partnership that Digital Sandbox launched this summer with the Innovation Stockyard incubator at Missouri Western State University, along with the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and other organizations. The Missouri Technology Corporation is also providing financial support.
“We saw a great group of entrepreneurs in the St. Joseph area,” said Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox KC’s director. “As expected, there are creative, innovative entrepreneurs across the state of Missouri. The partnership with Innovation Stockyard allows us to reach early-stage entrepreneurs in northwest Missouri and help move them forward to create new companies and area jobs.”
Toss It Curbside is the first company to get funding because of the partnership. The startup will receive up to $15,000 in product-development support, plus coworking space at Innovation Stockyard.
“This partnership really maximizes the resources available to entrepreneurs in northwest Missouri,” said Ronan Molloy, president of Innovation Stockyard. “The St. Joseph Sandbox is a great opportunity for early-stage entrepreneurs and, based on the quality of the applications so far, we believe we have another arrow in the quiver for entrepreneurship in St. Joseph.”
Digital Sandbox KC has assisted more than 500 entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, delivering proof-of-concept funding, mentoring and other assistance. To learn more, visit www.digitalsandboxkc.com.
