Government Stories

Jeff Shackelford, Enterprise Center in Johnson County

Jeff Shackleford named ECJC’s top exec, aims to keep nonprofit’s impact on entrepreneurs in the billions 

A transition to new leadership at the Enterprise Center in Johnson County comes with a pledge to build upon the work of the nearly 25-year-old nonprofit, said Jeff Shackelford. “The ECJC will continue to play a vital role in being a focal point for local companies and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital to start and…

PayIt, Kansas City

PayIt rings in new year with expanded executive team, repeat GovTech 100 honors 

GovTech leader PayIt continues its rapid growth after a massive 2019 funding year, thanks to the hiring of another key C-suite executive — a 20-year veteran in enterprise software sales and leadership. The move puts Neil Graham in the role of PayIt’s first chief revenue officer, and brings the executive team of the industry award-winning…

Show Me Capital: 6 key goals can help fill funding gaps for early-stage Missouri companies

Missouri is leaving millions of dollars on the table that could fuel early-stage startups, which create nearly 80 percent of net new jobs in the state. A new report from MOSourceLink, a program of the UMKC Innovation Center, reveals Missouri is lacking in alternative loans, access to resources, early-stage capital and locally activated venture capital….

Chase McAnulty, Charlie Hustle

KC Heart adopted as region’s official symbol: Charlie Hustle founder hopes icon will join KC skyline

Good things come to those who hustle.  “Honestly, it was a long time coming when they showed up at our office. It was almost like, ‘Where have you guys been?’” Chase McAnulty, founder and CEO of Charlie Hustle, said of a new partnership between the startup and the Kansas City Area Development Council.  The agreement…

Hyperloop One

Show Me Hyperloop: Missouri panel confident it can win route with $300M+ test track

If Missouri wants to win the race for a Virgin Hyperloop One route connecting Kansas City and St. Louis, the Show Me State must foot the bill for a 12- to 15-mile test track that could cost taxpayers, the state and private partners more than $300 million, according to a new report.  “This initial segment…