Minority-Led Stories

Fahteema Parrish, Parrish & Sons Construction, right, accepting the Business Equity Award at the 2022 KC Chamber Small Business Celebration; photos by Channa Steinmetz/Startland News

Inclusivity succeeds when founders are held accountable, says winner of Chamber’s equity award

Fahteema Parrish doesn’t mind putting forward extra work to make sure her employees feel included, she shared, embracing an environment that supports individuals of all backgrounds.  “Parrish & Sons Construction is an example of what intentional execution of equitable work within an organization actually looks like. Equality and inclusivity are key focal points as my…

Simone Curls shares the mic with James Watts at a recent Prospect Business Association workshop

Generational wealth is coming to Prospect; meet the business group (and KC woman) leading the charge

As a former small business owner herself, Simone Curls wants Kansas City entrepreneurs to avoid the struggles she experienced. “I did it through the fire,” said Curls, executive director of the Prospect Business Association. “I walked those burning coals.” Curls grew up around the corner from the Prospect Business Association’s offices on Linwood and Prospect….

Ainstein headquarters in Lawrence

How Tiger Woods’ swing at The Masters was influenced by this Lawrence lab

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. LAWRENCE…

Na’im Al-Amin, SWAGG INC; Torey Crawford, MOS; Brandon Calloway, GIFT KC; Brenan Latimer, Future of Us; and Avrell Stokes, BeGreat Together

Give Black aims for $500K in Juneteenth donations; organizers say public urgency to support Black businesses dropping

Black-led and Black-serving organizations are expected to get a boost this week in the runup to Juneteenth as the Give Black campaign returns in its third year. Organized byKansas City GIFT (Generating Income For Tomorrow) and BeGreat Together, the campaign runs June 13-18 with a goal to raise $500,000. New this year: Give Black also…

Tammy Buckner, WeCode KC

Community Builders to Watch: Tammy Buckner codes new career path for teens, a ‘Scouts’ for technology

Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City changemakers from five local organizations through its second annual Community Builders to Watch series. The following highlights one of the 2022 honorees, selected from more than 100 initial nominees. Click here to view the full list of Community Builders to Watch — presented by Engenious Design. Tammy…