It all started with a simple freelance task to create a website for a local non-profit.

Nearly a year later and Ball State University student Alex Kane of Carmel, Indiana has developed a company designed to assist small businesses and nonprofit organizations with strategic digital marketing.

As a result, Kane recently received a $700 grant from Ball State’s Entrepreneurship Center to take his company to the next level. Kane is an entrepreneurial management major. 

He took on a website project in 2017 for a nonprofit, and soon after other freelance jobs came his way. From assisting various local businesses and nonprofits, he kept seeing a recurring need.

“Once I realized how many local businesses and nonprofits were struggling with basic marketing efforts, I decided to step away from my part-time jobs to start my own business, Kane Creative,” Kane said. “I want to serve, empower and educate these businesses to help them tell their stories and achieve their goals with digital marketing solutions.”

But as his venture continued to grow, the senior was in need of funding, which he secured through Ball State’s Entrepreneurship Center. In March, the Center awarded its first round of “Pre-seed” grants that are designed to empower young entrepreneurs in the early-stages of venture creation and development. Kane applied, and was one of four aspiring entrepreneurs to win the grant.

“These funds will allow me to get professional help like legal and accounting assistance, in addition to some graphic design help,” he said. “Earning this grant was such a sense of achievement, and a motivator to keep building.”

Kane believes his early success came from the support of Ball State’s Entrepreneurship Center, Assistant Director of the Center Krystal Geyer, and many other inspiring mentors.

“I hope that Kane Creative can serve as a leader in digital marketing solutions for local businesses and nonprofits in the Indianapolis area. Ball State’s rigorous program that has given me my practical business skills, and the devoted faculty who go above and beyond, will help me reach that goal.”

Visit www.KaneCreativeMarketing.com to check out Kane’s creations.