Minority-Led Stories

Right to Start: States getting $10B in stimulus funds to boost entrepreneurs; Here’s how they should invest it

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Victor Hwang is the founder and CEO of the Right to Start movement. Click here to learn more about Right to Start, a campaign to drive economic recovery and advance economic justice. This commentary originally appeared on Route Fifty and is republished with…

Carlanda McKinney, Bodify; Jonaie Johnson, Interplay; Digital Sandbox KC recipients

Digital Sandbox touts two Black women-led companies with latest round of funding

The selection of Bodify and Interplay for the latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding doubles down on the proof-of-concept program’s commitment to bring diverse innovative ideas in the Kansas City region to life, said Jill Meyer. “We’re always thrilled to welcome entrepreneurs with smart, scalable ideas to the Sandbox,” said Meyer, senior director of…

The City Girl Farm collaboration with WHITNEY MANNEY (WM)

How a pair of chicken footstools hatched into a yarn barnyard of sold-out flock-pleasers

What first hatched 11 years ago as a class project at Kansas State University has taken on a colorful and quirky life of its own, Sally Linville said.  “We ask people to think a lot about their names,” Linville, founder and creative director of The City Girl Farm, said of the surprisingly important (and often…

Heather Shelton and Tiffany Watts, Suite Tea

No glass ceiling over the glamp site: Women-led, Black-owned business opens luxury camping season

Kansas Citians no longer need to sacrifice a comfortable bed and running water to spend a night out in nature, said Tiffany Watts and Heather Shelton. Through glamping with Suite Tea, one can have the best of both worlds, the co-founders said.  “Our primary mission is to create an elevated, special experience for our guests….

Jy Maze, Maze Freight Solutions

Secret sauce called faith: How being Black, religion and mentors shaped Jy Maze, kept her startup from failing

The COVID-19 pandemic has not been the only hurdle for Maze Freight Solutions, said Jy Maze, and it certainly won’t be the last.  “People think because you’re a CEO of a company that everything is gravy. No one knows about the bloody knees from praying, the begging for money, nobody giving you a shot —…