News Stories

Sky Jackson, Scoops

First foot forward: LA dreamer returns to KC to launch shoe brand with one-of-a-kind pop-up

Sky Jackson walked through Motion House Studios in the West Bottoms wearing a shirt and pants he had sewn together himself, as well as a pair of Scoops — Jackson’s premier footwear line inspired by the light-heartedness and joy of ice cream.   “I have been wanting to make a shoe brand since I was a…

Carson Ross, Blue Springs mayor

Why Blue Springs, KC are so hungry for Whataburger: You have the brand; We have the people

When Whataburger arrives later this year in Kansas City, the popular Texas-based restaurant chain is expected to bring more than its spicy ketchup and an iconic burger that takes two hands to hold. Company and city officials on Thursday emphasized a local hunger for both the 70-year-old brand and the 700 jobs it plans to…

Jannae Gammage and Milad Ghasempour, The Market Base, center, with their mothers at the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Small Business Celebration

‘What we’re doing matters’: On-demand marketing startup honored as top ‘emerging’ KC business

A never-give-up attitude and an appreciation for every opportunity that comes their way continues to fuel the founding duo behind Kansas City-built The Market Base.  “We’re just glad to be recognized for our relentless pursuit,” Milad Ghasempour, co-founder and COO, said moments after the startup was named Emerging Business Award winner by the Greater Kansas…

Andrew Glantz, GiftAMeal

$500K investment round feeds GiftAMeal’s hunger for expansion deeper into KC market

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. A…

Chase McAnulty, Charlie Hustle; Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Small Business Celebration

Mr. K winner: Charlie Hustle wears heart on its sleeve as it accepts Small Biz of the Year honor

Civic pride continues to pay off for Kansas City-stitched Charlie Hustle, winner of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2021 Mr. K Small Business of the Year Award.  Chase McAnulty, founder and CEO, accepted the coveted award Thursday afternoon during a KC Chamber-hosted luncheon — a successful end to the vintage-inspired apparel company’s third run at…