Jill and Justin Bertelsen

I was unfamiliar with the term “social entrepreneur” until I got the chance to hear Jill and Justin Bertelsen stories of how they started their companies. I loved hearing how making a positive impact on the community and supporting parents was the mission of their businesses.

It is such a great experience to be around people who pour everything they have into helping others and positively impacting the communities they work with. I was so impressed with their drive, passion, and generosity.  It is also fantastic to see a business built off solving the founders’ real-world challenges.

If you are unfamiliar with Jill and Justin, they are co-founders of both Bertelsen Education and Crib Coaching.  Bertelsen Education is an internationally accredited continuing education company, and it’s currently being utilized in 46 states. It was founded on the belief that providing easy access to professional development materials for child-care providers and their employees will give providers more time to do what they do best: care for children.

Built out of Bertelsen Education came Crib coaching, an app gamifying parental education to help parents with kids under 5 level up their parenting skills. Think of it as the Duo-Lingo or Noom for parents that will tailor a learning experience with small daily challenges in which parents could earn points, get rewards, level up their parenting, and eventually be a mentor.

Since coming to Kansas City in mid-2021, they have been hugely involved in the startup/entrepreneur scene. They have competed in the UMKC RVCC pitch competition, UMKC’s E-Scholas Program, Pure Pitch Rally, and Digital Sandbox KC. Most recently, they were selected as Comeback KC Ventures Fellows through KC Digital Drive/UMKC Innovation Center. These pitch competitions netted them enough funding to launch their Crib Coaching app, which is available in the Apple and Google Play store.

I cannot wait to see what 2022 has in store for Jill and Justin. Knowing their passion for supporting parents and the community, I have no doubt they will continue to have great success.

Website: cribcoaching.com and bertelseneducation.com