News Stories
KCultivator: This builder fell hard for Kansas City; turns out, it was a surprise she didn’t need to manifest
Editor’s note: KCultivators is a lighthearted profile series to highlight people who are meaningfully enriching Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Kansas City is far from dry when it comes to opportunity, Becca Castro said, recalling her desert upbringing and admittedly low expectations for what a life in the Midwest could look like. “I just thought, ‘Who…
LISTEN: Kansas innovation boosters are willing to play in the same sandbox; it’s time to shout it from the rooftop, leader says
In this bonus episode of Startland News’ Plug and Play Topeka podcast series, we’re joined by Lindsay Lebahn, director and partner success manager for Plug and Play Topeka (through Go Topeka), to look ahead at what’s next for the region’s innovation ecosystem. Lebahn shares how her work bridges Go Topeka’s economic development mission with the…
New playbook details: With matches set, World Cup business opportunities come into focus for KC
Host city organizers drop game plans for KC entrepreneurs navigating World Cup Argentina, the Netherlands, and other teams playing in Kansas City during the 2026 FIFA World Cup games are bringing their own playbooks to the City of Fountains next spring. Local organizers want the region’s small businesses and organizations to be just as prepared…
KC Current sets new name, spring openings for waterfront restaurants, town square
Kansas City’s new $1 billion waterfront district is expected to open core elements of the mixed use development near the KC Current’s stadium — including hotly anticipated restaurants and the first phase of residences — before the World Cup arrives in June 2026, officials announced Friday. Developers of the district also revealed its new name:…
Bless-tested: 6-year-old’s first instinct was to help; now she wants to bag more impact
When Ava-Rochelle Woodard rides through Kansas City with her parents, the 6-year-old pays attention. She notices people walking along the road, and when Ava sees someone who might need help, she asks a question that has grown into a community effort. “Do we have a bag in the car?” asks Ava, founder of Today’s Your…
