News Stories

Pitch competition winner says funds will help scale impact for neurodiverse children, their parents

Ivory Duncan teared up thinking about all the neurodiverse young people and their parents that she can champion now that she’s won $6,000 in the most recent pitch competition from The Porter House KC. The founder of Embracing Neuro-Diversity — a former educator and assistant principal — is building bridges between homes and schools to…

NXTUS launches pilot competition for startups in Northwest Arkansas, fueled by $500K Walton grant

WICHITA — A Kansas-built innovation program is hitting the road — applying its successful model to Northwest Arkansas in a bid to expand growth opportunities for more early-stage companies and make the region a proving ground for technology that boosts health and economic vitality. Wichita-based NXTUS this week announced HealthCatalyst NWA, a pilot initiative that aims…

Kauffman’s first ‘Uncommon Leader’ seeks dignity, empathy and humanity in care for KC’s most vulnerable

Earning the spotlight Thursday as the Kauffman Foundation’s first Uncommon Leader award winner, Dr. Rachel Melson paused to enjoy a moment of hope in a year filled with urgent need, she said. Launched to honor Kansas City community members who are creating lasting change through bold and compassionate action, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s Uncommon…

Hallmark adds holiday spirits to its lineup, merrying brand with iconic Tom’s Town tastes

A festive first-of-its-kind collaboration between Hallmark and Tom’s Town Distilling Co. is bringing a whole new meaning to the spirit of the holidays. Just in time for Christmas, the iconic Kansas City brands have teamed up to deliver a limited-edition collection featuring three releases — a sampler gift pack with 200 ml bottles of double…

Missouri releases $33M+ in federal funds to MTC to support startups, small businesses

A second tranche of federal funding allotted through the Biden-era American Rescue Plan Act is expected to help economic development leaders target stronger small business growth, expand access to capital, and support high-growth entrepreneurship across Missouri. More than $33 million is being deployed to the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) via the State Small Business Credit…