Latest Stories
Social venture’s pet grooming grads now empowered to earn microloans thanks to trio of KC backers
Graduates of Kansas City-based Pawsperity’s pet grooming training programs are now eligible to apply for RISE Microloans to launch or grow their businesses — an opportunity boosted by an economic equity initiative to provide microloans to fledgling entrepreneurs. The Plaza Rotary Club program, RISE Microloan (short for Rotary Investing & Supporting Equity), is offered through AltCap,…
KC housing tech startup builds momentum, refines business model in Nashville accelerator
As Shapree’ Marshall prepares her final pitch for Twendé 2024’s demo day in June, the Kansas City founder and Pipeline Pathfinder already is seeing results from the six-month Nashville-based program. Her startup, A Traveled Path Homes, was among 56 companies led by founders of color that were named to the Twendé cohort in January. The…
Mid Coast Modern closing Westport shop, relocating Bear Soap brand to west coast
After nearly a decade as a local retail staple, Mid Coast Modern is closing, founder Matt Bramlette confirmed. The Westport Road gift shop — which opened in 2015 and supports makers/artists and indie businesses — is expected to shut its doors at the end of the month. Sales have declined since the pandemic — especially…
NMotion accelerates Its 100th startup with plans to invest $3 million in 30 more through 2026
OMAHA — A Kansas City startup was among the six cohort members that pushed the NMotion Accelerator past its 100-company mark, showcasing its AI-infused storytelling platform this week alongside innovations from across the Midwest. NMotion powered by gener8tor on Tuesday celebrated the cohort — along with the impact from its $100,000 investments in each member —…
Jazz musician opens sell-out BBQ spot; here’s how he’s spicing up KC’s chorus of flavors
Even with more than 90 barbecue restaurants across the metro, Gerald Dunn still figured there was room for his flavor profile on the Kansas City food scene. But before opening Dunn Deal BBQ in Grandview, he made a pilgrimage of sorts, stopping in to see legendary Ollie Gates. He reveres the local barbecue pioneer and…
For the loaf of the grain: Jonny Bakes bread, expands to keep community nourishment rising
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Brookside bread baker works to reestablish the local grain shed Jon Szajnuk’s sourdough…
Thai Orchid opening in Northland: How this family business is getting out of its comfort zone with street food focus
A second location for a longtime Johnson County restaurant is expected to honor the origin story of the family business — building on its menu with a new emphasis on casual Thai street food items and small plates. Thai Orchid — a Mission, Kansas, restaurant that has been in the Rojjanasrirat family for 26 years…
mySidewalk teases Sidekick — a data assistant at the forefront of AI’s difficult-to-simple transformation
A new purpose-built community data and visualization tool from mySidewalk is designed to revolutionize decision making and empower those willing to embrace change when supplied with accessible and reliable data. The Kansas City-based govtech company this month announced the beta launch of Sidekick, an AI-powered data assistant meant to drive meaningful progress through insights gleaned…
Gold-plated: Serial entrepreneur mints new new venue in former bank — cashing in on built-in vault, history
A refurbished events space in Lenexa not only deposits new life into a former structure along a busy Johnson County thoroughfare, said Steve Beaumont; the project near 95th Street and I-35 represents a fusion of history and innovation. “For 50 years, this corner has been a cornerstone of financial activity,” said Beaumont, the owner-developer behind…
As TikTok legal fight plays out, Missouri creators and businesses brace for possible ban
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. Like many others suffering from quarantine-induced boredom, Gabbie Wiggins first hopped on social…
