Latest Stories
Serve good karma, get good karma: How Brian Roberts is keeping coffee shop’s flavor in Year 2
After a caffeinated burst of early word-of-mouth support, Brian Roberts’ new coffee and wine space near Tower East got a months-long jolt of good karma, he said — but as its newness cooled on the counter, the fledgling business began to lose its grip on thirsty customers. “It was really tough, getting people to realize…
‘Feel through it’: Danny Soriano mixes Renaissance mindset with genre-hopping setlist
Music provides more than a safe place to escape, said Kansas City-based artist and entrepreneur Danny Soriano; it’s simultaneously the space between people, and a connection that can tie them together. “It’s really important for my music to spark conversations — or create an atmosphere where people feel safe enough at my concerts to start…
Techstars returning to KC for one-night-only meetup; teasing what’s next for the global accelerator
It’s easy to take for granted just how far the Kansas City entrepreneurial ecosystem has come, John Fein shared. Kansas City-based Firebrand Ventures is teaming up with the global startup accelerator Techstars for a Community Meetup 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at Grand Cafe on the Plaza. The event is free but space…
NXTUS is helping five emerging KC innovators gain customer traction; ‘Timing is right,’ startup founders say
A handful of Kansas City startups were among 22 early stage companies gathered in Wichita this week for the opening session of a program aimed at growing strong, sustainable businesses that uplift innovation and opportunity throughout the Heartland. The 2026 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program on Wednesday welcomed founders from buildNest and Pitchster, Olathe, Kansas;…
Inside the MNDSHFT: Raw conversations stare into the entrepreneur struggle; strength stares back
A new video series from an acclaimed Kansas City creator dives into the daily routines, mental shifts, and no-BS strategies behind building businesses and lives that matter, said Quincy Lee, emphasizing episodes built to redefine the hustle mindset. The first three features within the MNDSHFT series premiere today — produced by Social Apex Media and…
Want to help KC’s new favorite rapper meme Missouri? This one’s for you
Riverside-born creator Lil String unravels viral comedy from everyday Kansas City destinations; Here’s how internet culture is translating into real-world turnout From his cowboy hat to his boots, Lil String doesn’t take himself too seriously, he said. The rapper, comedian and content creator is rapidly building a local following by blending humor, music and hyper-specific…
Boulevard building outdoor ‘Yard’ space for added bar, patio capacity ahead of World Cup
Construction began Wednesday on a new second-story outdoor bar and patio space at Boulevard Brewing Co. — bridging the popular tourist and recreation destination to its nearby parking garage — with an early summer opening planned just in time for the world’s largest soccer tournament. “We’ve dreamed of having our own backyard hangout at the…
Transportant launches school bus stop arm camera to tag drivers who blow past students
The latest technology from a Kansas-based leader in school bus safety captures the license plates of law-breakers via full-color digital imaging that can be used to alert law enforcement officials who can then issue citations and hold drivers in violation accountable. The product launch from Transportant comes during a time of expansion for the Lenexa…
Ditch the highlight reel and gatekeepers: Founders share blueprint to building value, together
Entrepreneurship is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating, said Mark Launiu, opening a three-day summit rich in practical wisdom and firsthand storytelling from founders who’ve created businesses — and struggled through the times that suck — in Kansas City. “This is about building something that lasts and building it with people who understand…
Strategy for boosting KC economic mobility: graduating twice and stackable credentials
A just-released strategic plan aims to increase college attainment for Kansas Citians from low income high schools by 10 points to 23 percent by 2030, outlining an education access effort that doubles as an economic roadmap for a region in mid-transformation. Supported by a grant from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, KCCAN unveiled…
