Minority-Led Stories
KC’s only Black-owned book shop — forced to find a new home — hits crowdfunding goal in just a few days
More than 3,000 books and records surrounded Willa Robinson as her eyes danced between decades of knowledge and culture gathered in her neighborhood shop, Willa’s Books and Vinyl — the only Black-owned brick-and-mortar book store in Kansas City. “Opening a store hadn’t been in my plans. I’m a collector, but then collecting got out of…
Culture made First Fridays life-changing, duo says; now MADE MOBB is bringing back the block party
MADE MOBB is reopening an era of live music and local vendors Friday — hoping to revive a Crossroads tradition silenced when its community was forced to disconnect and retreat indoors. “Come outside, baby!” Mark Launiu exclaimed ahead of Friday’s MADE MOBB Block Party. “Enjoy some free vibes [from] the people you’ll meet, the relationships…
SnapIT acquires fellow minority-, woman-owned tech company, expands customer footprint into government solutions
SnapIT Solutions is scaling once again, announcing Tuesday the acquisition of a Lawrence-based tech company with a more-than-40-year legacy. The Overland Park-based solutions and training company formally completed its purchase of A.S.K. Associates last month, signaling a path of steady and continued growth for SnapIT and the end of an era for the acquired company…
Top young startups, makers, woman-owned companies vie for ‘Emerging Business’ honors
More than a dozen startups and small businesses are now finalists for the Kansas City chamber’s Emerging Business Award, vying for recognition amid a field of promising homegrown contenders. Among them: two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2021, a handful of young businesses recently profiled by the publication for showing their…
Mr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award
Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award. The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a…
