Startups Stories

ECJC offering dozens of entrepreneurial education events in 2017

The Enterprise Center in Johnson County has a jammed packed schedule of over 50 workshops for Kansas City entrepreneurs in 2017. “We are lucky to have the support of dozens of volunteer service providers who take time away from their own jobs and businesses to share their expertise with entrepreneurs,” ECJC vice president of communications…

With a focus on fashion education, Sock 101 rebrands to School of Sock

A growing Kansas City fashion firm is restitching its public image. With a broader focus and new expansion plan, Sock 101 is rebranding to become School of Sock. The company — which began with a la carte and “Sock of the Month Club” options — is changing up its name to reflect its goals to…

Columbia-based EquipmentShare plans to hire 20 techies at new KC office

A rapidly-growing startup based in Columbia, Mo., is planning to open its technical hub in Kansas City. As it expands around the nation, EquipmentShare co-founder Willy Schlacks said he’s hoping to hire about 20 software and web developers for the firm, which has been touted as the “Airbnb for construction equipment.” EquipmentShare created a peer-to-peer…

Brian Kearns: Get outside of your startup bubble

What’s so special about Silicon Valley, Hollywood or New York? I’ll give you a hint: bad barbecue. Just kidding. These are the places you go when you want to build the next “unicorn,” become a big star or bask in the bright lights of Broadway. The dream you often hear whispered backstage is, “I want…

New app Miles wants to soothe the pain of mileage tracking

The stability of a 9 – 5 corporate work day is fading away, as many entrepreneurs know. Many people are entering the “freelance workforce,” leaving the predictability of a regular paycheck behind. Although this arrangement brings freedoms, it may make things more complicated during tax season. This culture shift inspired serial entrepreneur and software developer…