Commerce Uplift Stories of Success: Gifted Care Service

For Gifted Care Service, completing the 12-week CommerceUplift Program in Fall 2025 was a turning point in the growth of their business. Owner Kriscendra Baptiste found the program structure and content extremely helpful, particularly valuing the support sessions and guidance from experts.

“I gained a lot from the pitch practice and financial help from experts,” Kriscendra shared.

These sessions provided practical tools that helped refine both strategy and operations, giving her the confidence to take her business to the next level.

Guest speaker presentations were described as extremely valuable. Kriscendra highlighted the relevance of the content and appreciated insights into leveraging networks such as Kansas grant opportunities for business growth.

By the end of the program, Gifted Care Service was very prepared for the pitch competition, and the feedback received during the event was extremely helpful in fine-tuning the business strategy. Her preparation paid off—Kriscendra was selected as the winner of the pitch competition, a milestone that reflects both her hard work and the effectiveness of the CommerceUplift program.

The program’s impact extended beyond immediate skills. Key takeaways included business strategy, marketing and branding, access to funding, legal and government certifications, networking and partnerships, and financial management. With this knowledge, Kriscendra plans to expand from a home care agency to a full Home Health provider. Mentorship from Dr. Crystal Davis and Alicia during onboarding and hiring for the Home Health expansion was especially valuable, providing guidance that continues to support the business today.

Networking within the cohort was described as extremely valuable, and the program fostered connections that will benefit the business for years to come. When asked if she would recommend CommerceUplift to other entrepreneurs, Kriscendra’s response was a resounding yes.

Gifted Care Service’s story demonstrates how CommerceUplift empowers entrepreneurs not only with knowledge and strategy, but also with confidence, mentorship, and recognition that propels their business forward.