Latest Stories
Drivers are on-the-go; scheduling real-time repairs should be just as mobile, say UnDriveable founders
A Kansas City autotech startup is empowering motorists to easily browse and select nearby services — whether scheduling maintenance or requesting more dire roadside assistance — without adding to the anxiety and stress of the driver’s moment in need. “It was really evident that there was a need to connect people in a different way…
When your hobby takes a leap: Turning passion into a business
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Latasha Randle is a Strategy & Small Business Program Manager at H&R Block, a company founded and headquartered in downtown Kansas City. Many of us have hobbies that spark joy and help us unwind from the stresses of everyday life. From gardening, painting, knitting,…
Identity festival returns, bringing Asian-owned business, culture from the shadows to the pitch
A celebration of often-overlooked heritage and culture is scoring its biggest match yet: a showcase this weekend at CPKC Stadium — where intentional diversity and inclusivity have a home field advantage, said Jackie Nguyen. “It’s our first time partnering with such a big venue,” said Nguyen, founder of the annual AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian,…
Mr K finalists: Diversity is a strength, but the vibes defining these Top 10 businesses don’t stop there
Yes, 80 percent of the finalists for this year’s Small Business of the Year Award are ventures run by women, Karen Crnkovich acknowledged, but it’s not just their owners’ gender that put them in the top-tier of contenders for the coveted “Mr. K” honor. “There are eight really brilliant, smart ladies on the stage,” said…
Sober, safe travels: The only thing off the menu for these luxury bookings is alcohol
A Kansas City woman’s travel business is taking flight with plans to offer budding adventurers a world of rejuvenating vacationing, luxury, and wellness — all with an alcohol-free itinerary. “I’m blending my two passions together: sobriety and travel,” said Michelle Plante. “I wanted to create a space for women to get together, connect, and have…
Recipe for empathy: These students prepared hundreds of protein-packed, free meals for their food-insecure peers
High school students in the Kansas City area are doing their part to stamp out food insecurity one recipe at a time, Tamara Weber shared. Kids Feeding Kids — a sister program of Pete’s Garden, both founded by Weber — partners with high school FACS and CTE culinary classes to teach students about critical topics…
PopBookings rallies as KC startup looks for its own key hires: ‘We’re back in a big, big way’
After dialing back its event staffing platform’s operations during the pandemic, Kansas City-grown PopBookings is back online in the Midwest — ramping up hiring as it works toward a Series A funding round by year’s end. “Kansas City has a real nurturing feel to it. And this community is why I believe we’ll have our…
$11M renovation in the works for historic hub of Black entrepreneurship; project ties into 18th Street pedestrian mall plans
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by AltCap, an ally to underestimated entrepreneurs that offers financing to businesses and communities that traditional lenders do not serve. For more than one hundred years, the Lincoln Building has served as a cornerstone of commerce and community in the 18th and Vine district. The historic district —…
MTC’s spring $1.4M investment cycle loops Facility Ally, DevStride into equity deals
Two Kansas City startups are among a handful of Missouri companies receiving a collective $1.4 million in investment allocations through a state-sponsored venture capital program. Facility Ally, led by serial entrepreneur Luke Wade; and DevStride, co-founded by Phil Reynolds, Chastin Reynolds, Aaron Saloff and Kujtim Hoxha; must now complete the Missouri Technology Corporation’s due diligence process…
Kauffman CEO: Foundation’s reset aligns Mr. K’s intent with KC’s needs of the moment
A recently announced strategy refresh for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation will drive the organization’s collective impact in the community — honoring the vision of its namesake while recognizing the challenges Kansas City faces today, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace. “Mr. K had very distinct philosophies and ideas around how he wanted this work done,” explained…
