Minority-Led Stories

Pitch prize puts founders closer to building their utopia; How KCMO is backing entrepreneurs who do the right thing

Hearing the personal reasons behind judges’ support for her business at the “Do The Right Thing” social impact pitch competition provides much-needed validation for Utopia Point, said Shereese Hameed-Muhammad. The business — launched by Patricia McCreary and Hameed-Muhammad to redesign the geriatric and disabled care community in Kansas City and beyond — was the overwhelming favorite…

Lawmakers announce $500K federal grant for KC BioHub, tout region’s job creation, innovation

Kansas City’s “top-notch” research capabilities and talented workforce prove the region is ready to lead the country in innovation, said Sharice Davids, revealing news that the local Tech Hubs initiative would receive another $500,000 in federal funding. The award for the Kansas City Inclusive Biologics and Biomanufacturing Tech Hub (KC BioHub) comes less than a…

Inside ProX’s hands-on, how-to guide for students entering the workforce (and the business payoff)

When ProX is at its best, the collaborative internship program provides as much value to Kansas City employers as it does to the high school students who’ve invested prime summer vacation time into the real-world learning opportunity, business owners said. “The students did a really good job, it’s like getting a free consultation from a…

Do The Right Thing: Ophelia’s Blue Vine Farm plants real food within a historic (and overlooked) KC community

The following profile features one of five finalists for the “Do The Right Thing” social impact pitch competition organized by the KC BizCare Office, Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City and Startland News. Finalist features will be published throughout the week. Click here to read more features. Click here to vote for your favorite finalist…

These leaders reinvest in other women’s success; a statewide nonprofit says they define the ‘Greater Missouri Woman’

This year’s Greater Missouri Leadership Foundation Women of the Year roster has a distinctly Kansas City flavor. Three of the four honorees at Wednesday’s luncheon event at CPKC Stadium are Kansas City women who lead within their industries and community. The list of awards and recipients includes: Civic Leader of the Year — Dr. DeAngela…