Minority-Led Stories
United Way launching $2M fund with Kauffman to back nonprofits that serve people of color
A new Nonprofit Catalyst Fund is expected to help the United Way of Greater Kansas City invest in advancing small nonprofit organizations that serve Black, Latino, and other people of color in the community, said Essence Yancey. “We believe that small, nonprofit organizations within communities of color play a key role in addressing a range…
Kauffman funds help Holy Rosary pilot new lending model to boost equitable access to capital
When a traditional bank may not be able to justify lending additional funds to an entrepreneur struggling to get their business off the ground, Holy Rosary Credit Union is uniquely positioned to help people achieve that evasive upward mobility — regardless of race, gender, or geography, said Carole Wight. A $3.3 million grant from the…
Attention passengers: Prepare to fill your carry ons with local goods when KC’s new terminal opens
Local businesses are a significant part of Kansas City’s story, Tyler Enders said, and the new terminal at the Kansas City International Airport gives travelers coming into the city the perfect prologue. “Right when people land in Kansas City, they will be introduced to local artwork, local restaurants and local retail brands. When they go…
Cafe finds kinship with KCK entrepreneur, sourcing coffee expertise amid celebration of Black excellence
The evolution of a 107-year-old eastern Jackson County service organization is still brewing in Independence as BlendWell Community Cafe pours coffee and deeper connections through a celebration of diversity — and partnership with an entrepreneur across the state line who shares its mission, said Doug Cowan. “In 2015, we bought this building and we started…
Opening day: Long-awaited halal food franchise arrives in KC with more locations on the menu
Osama Hanif was as hungry for an opportunity to prove himself as he was to eat his favorite halal food in Kansas City, he said, reflecting on the years-long process to open an east coast franchise restaurant in the Midwest. “Once I had my first taste of growing a company, I knew I wanted to…
