ScaleUP! Kansas City adds 20 entrepreneurs shifting from launch to business building

The latest cohort of scaling business owners added to a popular executive-style coaching program represents a wide array of Kansas City entrepreneurship, including industries from construction and entertainment to catering, healthcare, and even moving.

Twenty Kansas City entrepreneurs have been selected for the 16th ScaleUP! Kansas City cohort joining more than 300 alumni in the long-running program organized by the Missouri Small Business Development Center at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

“Scaling a business demands more than ambition; it requires experienced guidance, trusted peers, and access to the right resources at the right time,” said Jill Hathaway, program coordinator for ScaleUP! Kansas City and regional director of the Missouri SBDC. 

“ScaleUP! Kansas City brings those elements together through executive-level coaching, peer-to-peer learning, and meaningful connections to capital, talent, and strategic partners,” she continued. “The result is a collaborative environment where business owners can strengthen leadership, sharpen strategy, and build companies positioned for long-term, sustainable growth.” 

Among the just-announced cohort:

• Andrew Bristow, Pantheon Moving
• Abigail Tobar, Pacheco’s Construction
• Ashley Beebe, Sojourn Spa
• Casey McBain, Splash Laundry KC
• Chris Sander, powder monkey FIREWORKS
• Drew MacDonnell, MacDonnell Appraisals
• Eddie Talmadge, American Mechanical KC
• Gabby Starnes, Helps2
• Grace Cabrera, Jose Fiestas Rental
• Jenny Maxey, Gen 3 IV Hydration and Wellness
• Jessica Wood, French Custard
• Jonathan Beckman, Monarch Eco-Friendly Cleaning & Restoration
• Justin Ross, Staying Home Corporation
• Ken Blankinship, Independent Door & Gate
• Lavita Green, Caresticks Mobile Phlebotomy
• Megan Sevart-Culbertson, Megan’s Yoga Tribe
• Pamela Piekarski, Exploring Minds Academy
• Sarah Hartenberger, Nurture Lactation
• Sarah Oliva, Wild Child Resale
• Stacey Siegert, Moxie Talent Agency

ScaleUP! KC’s latest cohort is also funded the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as well as sponsors such as Morgan Stanley and JPMorganChase.

“By partnering with ScaleUP! KC, Morgan Stanley is proud to support a local leadership team that excels at investing in companies and people during the early stages of their growth journey,” said Douglas Adams, executive director and market manager for Morgan Stanley in Kansas City. “We are excited to support Cohort 16 and look forward to watching these innovative companies grow, celebrating their milestones, and being a part of their success throughout the journey.”