News Stories
Emerging biz of the year put its own twist on Kansas City sweets; now it’s scaling up
Breaking away from the Yogurtini brand as a franchisee — and branching out on his own — took a leap of faith for Isaac Lee Collins, the owner of Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate said.
Mr K winner sipped deeply with community; now it’s savoring Small Business of the Year accolades
Built at the crossroads of coffee and cultural placemaking, the KC Chamber’s just-announced Small Business of the Year has brewed more than a thriving family business — it’s a story steeped in creating space for the region’s Latin and Indigenous communities alongside incoming FIFA World Cup visitors.
Out-of-the-box business: How Ling Vong’s food truck got more than she bargained for with Labubus
Ling Vong’s decision to sell Labubus alongside her Vietnamese street food wasn’t random, the owner of Dragon Wagon KC and KC Monsters shared. It was a strategy rooted in serving culture, creating experiences, and building community, she said.
Boulevard’s Easy Orange ale makes Dutch fans’ bucket lists as World Cup anticipation ferments
Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Easy Orange limited-edition summer ale was so popular in 2025, the Kansas City brewery planned to roll it out again this year — long before Kansas City was announced as the FIFA World Cup base camp for the Netherlands.
KC-built startup brokers $18M funding round as benefitbay pushes market trends to the norm
A just-announced $18 million Series A round for benefitbay is more than just investor or market validation, said Brandy Thompson; it’s a signal that the solution she built in Kansas City is no longer part of a niche conversation with consultants and employers — too often requiring lengthy explanations about why the model matters.
