Corporate Stories

Summer Trep Series

OHUB x KCUP set to debut ‘18th & Vine Summer Trep Series’ for black, Latinx startup builders

The first spoke of Opportunity Hub’s arrival in Kansas City debuts July 19 with a new monthly event series dedicated to business builders from black and Latinx communities. “This is a celebration of unity, creating a healthier ecosystem within Kansas City, Missouri,” said Jamilah Jones, a business development officer at the Economic Development Corporation of…

Pure Pitch Rally 2018, photo by Mikaela Wendel Photography

Pure Pitch Rally returning in October with spot-cash funding; applications open now

The land sharks are already hungry for Kansas City’s top tech talent, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the planned return of the Pure Pitch Rally this fall. “Not only does Pure Pitch Rally provide startups with the opportunity to earn much-needed cash funding, it gives local entrepreneurs direct access to the resources and people in our…

Phil and Elizabeth Glynn, Travois

Travois earns rare B-Corp status for longtime work to ‘fill the gaps’ caused by 200 years of broken promises to Indian Country

Obtaining one of the world’s top scores as a Certified B Corporation is just the beginning for Kansas City-cultivated Travois.  “Part of why we are different is because [the product] we have and offer is really impactful,” Elizabeth Glynn, CEO, said in explanation of how Travois — a company that promotes housing and economic development…

Bob Langenkamp, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri

EDCKC touts five years of economic development as president and CEO departs

When Bob Langenkamp was approached in 2014 about leading the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, momentum was building for a city on the cusp of a World Series win, economic revitalization and revived civic pride. “It’s been a great run,” said Langenkamp, reflecting on his tenure as president and CEO of EDCKC. With…

Kelly Sievers, Women’s Capital Connection

Q&A: Startup life isn’t all risk-taking and sexy, big-name investors, Kelly Sievers says

Investing doesn’t just hinge a dollar amount, said Kelly Sievers. “It’s also about finding the right kind of funding for your business,” the Women’s Capital Connection managing director told 26 small business owners at a recent Kansas City SCORE mentoring event.  Sievers, an entrepreneurial advisor for the Women’s Business Center, has owned, operated and sold…