As a lifelong teacher, Kim Flurry knows the power of education. Kim taught at Pittsburgh Public Schools for years and has directly contributed to the success of countless individuals through her work as an educator—so when it came time for Kim to retire from teaching, she knew she would need to further her education when starting her own business.
Kim was inspired to start AKLW (A Kind Loving World) Bone Broth after facing personal health challenges that led to a wellness journey. As a result, Kim discovered the healing properties of homemade bone broths, which she credits for her recovery and well-being.
In the business’s early stages, Kim sought support from organizations for start-up education. Kim attended educational seminars with Bridgeway Capital and Chatham University’s Center for Women’s Entrepreneurship before graduating from Catapult Pittsburgh’s accelerator program which allowed her to test her bone broth recipes and hone her craft using their commercial kitchen equipment.
On recommendation from Catapult, Kim connected with the Hill Community Development Corporation (CDC), where she met University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center Management Consultant, Jonny Gamble. Jonny provided key insight into Kim’s business model, marketing strategy, and financial plan at no cost, helping to set AKLW Bone Broth up for success.
Working with Jonny, Kim pursued even further education and support, including technical assistance from PantherlabWorks’ consultant, Kim Garrett, who provided information on product packaging and marketing, direct networking advice, and B2B suggestions. Flurry also graduated from Fulton Commons’ Food Accelerator program, which provided a cohort with extensive knowledge specific to the food production industry.
Most recently, Kim graduated from the Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence’s Community Power to Prosper program, a six-month program designed for owners of existing inner city businesses to identify barriers and opportunities and develop strategies for growth in sales, profits, and enterprise value.
Today, Kim’s businesses, AKLW Bone Broth and AKLW Gemstone Jewelry, are thriving in large part due to the education and support she has received from countless organizations across Western Pennsylvania including the University of Pittsburgh Small Business Development Center.