Woman-led Stories

Smokeware ceramicist wins Chamber’s new arts award: A breath of fresh air for once-waylaid artist

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. Riley Brain strikes a delicate balance between artist and entrepreneur, the founder said Thursday after being named the KC Chamber’s first winner of the Luminary Art and…

Public vote picks KC Chamber ‘Fan Favorites’ ahead of Small Business of the Year reveal

In a display of growing support and recognition for the Kansas City companies, Overflow and Emerson & Co have been crowned this year’s “Fan Favorite” winners by the KC Chamber — marking the only award chosen by public vote as part of annual Small Business Celebration. “It represents the voice of the community and highlights…

New collaboration will help OP startup 3D bioprint, scale its next-gen biotech solution

A Kansas biotech startup’s new manufacturing partner will boost efforts to automate and mass produce Ronawk’s headline-grabbing Bio-Block technology — a platform that has already accelerated medical advancements in tissue therapy. “Collaboration is critical for turning research advances into commercial therapies rapidly. The complexity and diversity of modalities is so big that nobody can do…

Back2KC sets return date for its 2024 homecoming effort, scouting familiar faces to build an even stronger KC

When Back2KC returns this fall, the homegrown talent recruitment initiative will lean on unexpected connections to entice former residents — now out-of-town professionals — to give Kansas City’s recent Golden Age another look, organizers said.  “The biggest win we can have is if these expats and ex-Kansas Citians come back, move their families here, move…

‘A piece of something bigger’: Makers help raise fabric of community with Union Station quilt project

A trio of Kansas City maker businesses wove together their talents this spring in support of a new, local health initiative — culminating in a towering expression of hope and healing at Union Station. Ampersand Design Studio, Tia Curtis Quilts, and Collective EX spent the past three weeks designing, fabricating, and displaying a colorful quilt…