News Stories

How two music lovers opened their Missouri community’s first record store and lounge

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. CAPE GIRARDEAU, Missouri — Spectrum Record Lounge is becoming a…

Novel secures $15M round in bid to get tech founders the capital to turn their visions into reality 

A fresh injection of capital is expected to help Overland Park-based Novel — helmed by two of Kansas City’s most seasoned tech founders — revolutionize growth for SaaS startups using its Capital Intelligence platform. “The tech founder’s journey is often fueled by passion but also filled with obstacles,” said Carlos Antequera, CEO and co-founder of…

HomeGrown breakfast concept cracks downtown egg, opening what could be KC’s next favorite brunch spot

A Wichita-founded restaurant chain known for its breakfast and brunch fare is officially open in KCMO, adding a Power & Light location to its menu of Kansas City-area eateries. HomeGrown welcomed diners Tuesday within the KC Live! Block — the only full-service breakfast restaurant in the Power & Light District — offering sustainable selections on…

Social venture’s pet grooming grads now empowered to earn microloans thanks to trio of KC backers

Graduates of Kansas City-based Pawsperity’s pet grooming training programs are now eligible to apply for RISE Microloans to launch or grow their businesses — an opportunity boosted by an economic equity initiative to provide microloans to fledgling entrepreneurs. The Plaza Rotary Club program, RISE Microloan (short for Rotary Investing & Supporting Equity), is offered through AltCap,…

KC housing tech startup builds momentum, refines business model in Nashville accelerator

As Shapree’ Marshall prepares her final pitch for Twendé 2024’s demo day in June, the Kansas City founder and Pipeline Pathfinder already is seeing results from the six-month Nashville-based program. Her startup, A Traveled Path Homes, was among 56 companies led by founders of color that were named to the Twendé cohort in January. The…