News Stories

KC named a top ‘dark horse’ to land Amazon HQ2

National media is lending credence to Kansas City’s prospects of attracting Amazon’s second headquarters. Inc. Magazine on Wednesday published a list of “5 Dark Horse Cities” to land Amazon HQ2, a prospective project that promises to create upward of 50,000 new jobs in whatever locale that nabs the online retailer’s massive new hub. While speculative,…

Adam and Stephanie Carey, The Pitch

Couple with tech, startup background embraces risk-taking as new Pitch owners

Local ownership of The Pitch will preserve the Kansas City alternative news publication’s voice, as well as expanding digital content for readers, and promotions and services for advertisers, Stephanie Carey said. “I love the independent voice. I love the fact that we can push those boundaries, push the envelope on stories, dig a little deeper,”…

Daniel Smith, Porter House

Cultural differences contribute to entrepreneur access gap, Porter House founder says

Early education about entrepreneurism and the resources available aren’t typically priorities in low- to moderate-income communities, said Daniel Smith. “A lack of access results because we don’t really have a lot of programs in our communities that focus on small business and entrepreneurism,” said Smith, founder of The Porter House KC. “It’s more focused on…

Missouri, Airbnb announce revenue-sharing state sales tax deal

As Kansas City wrangles with its own short-term rental rules, Airbnb and the Show Me State announced an agreement Wednesday that will allow the home-sharing giant to collect and remit taxes on behalf of 6,300 Missouri hosts. Effective Feb. 1, the tax agreement with the Missouri Department of Revenue adds a state sales tax — now…

Tommy Saunders, FEWDM

FEWDM drops high-tech fitness devices, pivots to workout apparel

Not every promising startup venture can keep the ball moving toward the end zone. It’s a lesson FEWDM founder Tommy Saunders says he’s blessed to have learned — despite the bittersweet turn for the former Detroit Lions receiver’s company. “We have a strong brand that our customers connect with and have grown to love,” Saunders…