Funding Stories
Designer Whitney Manney using JOANN grant to reshape the fabric of KC’s fashion scene
Kansas City is legit — and it’s full of talented creatives who national eyes should be watching, said Whitney Manney. “I think COVID has shown us you can show up and show out from anywhere in this world,” added Manney, a local fashion designer, maker, and founder of the WHITNEYMANNEY (WM) fashion label, in announcement…
Rightfully Sewn acquisition stitches new path toward re-establishing KC as garment capital, Lapka says
Rightfully Sewn’s acquisition by a 109-year-old nonprofit with national reach means more contracts, more employees and more impact for the mission-focused fashion company, said Jennifer Lapka. “No shakeups, no drama. The brand, programs, and team will stay intact,” said Lapka, founder of Rightfully Sewn, which this week announced a merger with Kansas City-based Alphapointe. “We…
Google’s $100K cash prize keeps Healthy Hip Hop dancing toward ‘Tik Tok for kids’ status
With a new cash infusion from the Google Black Founders Fund, Roy Scott said Healthy Hip Hop is ready to perfect the next generation of its youth entertainment and education tech, strengthen the company’s sales and marketing efforts and hire a C-suite level employee. “We found our niche in the tech space, and it’s how…
Big winner at the Pure Pitch Rally: the American dream (and 8 pitchers vying for more than $91K)
Seven months after launching her startup, Nomi Smith’s PMI Rate Pro already is integrated with the nation’s six private mortgage insurance providers — saving more than 2,000 hours for loan officers and more than $1 million for homebuyers, she said. Competing Monday on stage at the Pure Pitch Rally was another critical milestone, Smith told…
ECJC leading Johnson County effort to distribute $13.5M in CARES small business grants
A new government lifeline designed to boost Johnson County entrepreneurs hit by the COVID-19 pandemic soon will offer a one-time $10,000 grant to qualified recipients. “Many of Johnson County’s small businesses have limited resources and access to capital during this unprecedented time,” said Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re…
