Latest Stories
80+ student competitors from across Kansas just rallied for their share of $70K in cash prizes
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. MANHATTAN, Kansas — Aaron Collins walked away from the Kansas Entrepreneurship Challenge with not just $2,500, but also validation that he’s on the right track with his lawn care business,…
How a newly closed parking garage could signal transformation for a living Downtown KC
A series of transformative building projects are expected to help downtown Kansas City’s continued evolution as a resurgence in residents in the city’s core push new retail, offices and attractions, said Tommy Wilson. “Downtown has actually been on an incredible growth trajectory since the beginning of 2003,” Wilson, director of business recruitment and research for…
First look at 2024 Parade of Hearts: 100+ artists paint Kansas City with a harmony of colors
Kansas City artist Skiggity lives his life in vivid color, he shared, so it was only natural for his art — and his Parade of Hearts entry — to reflect that bright-eyed perspective. “I like vibrancy,” the muralist and digital artist explained. “I don’t really have a style. I like vibrant colors. I also like…
Crossroads boutique styles Y2K nostalgia with 2024 representation: ‘It heals my inner child’
Courtnie Ross wants to help customers of all kinds embrace their own personal style in her store — and be comfortable in the fit, the LoveStoned boutique owner said. “The core of what I feel like I’m meant to do in life is to help people feel good about themselves,” she said. With glittery sets,…
KCK milkman reclaims his passion for painting; splattering pop art portraits of KC sports stars, celebrity icons
While his pieces don’t feature happy, little trees, David Alston’s pop culture-inspired portraits still reflect the influence of the iconic painter Bob Ross. About a decade ago, a chance viewing of the well-known artist’s PBS show “The Joy of Painting” — Alston’s youngest son accidentally left the TV on before leaving for school — inspired…
Injuries pushed this dancer from the stage to his startup; ClassKid keeps his craft in the spotlight
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. TOPEKA — A career as a professional dancer only momentarily upstaged Austin Roberson’s childhood ambitions to become an inventor, the Kansas startup founder said. Roberson — the entrepreneur behind ClassKid,…
UMKC pitch competition brings validating relief, cash prizes for emerging founders with big ideas
A popular UMKC pitch competition awarded more than $80,000 in cash prizes to student and full-time entrepreneurs Friday — validating new ideas and emerging ventures alike. “I never saw anything like this when I was in college,” said Dr. Brandy Archie, founder of AskSAMIE, who competed in a category especially for established startups at the University…
Showcase showdown: KC Chamber rallies ‘Mr. K competitors, but small biz owners say it feels more like family
The husband-wife duo behind Kansas City-based Shark OFF appreciate the local entrepreneurial ecosystem so much that they actually list it as one of their startup’s co-founders, Geoff Geist shared. “We would not exist if it weren’t for this community,” said Geist, the co-founder and COO of Shark OFF, which offers shark repellent bracelets that are…
Meet the winners of KC’s first grants for micro-businesses; $55K awarded to women of color
A newly launched collaboration between entrepreneur support efforts announced Thursday its first batch of grant winners — positioning four Kansas City micro-businesses for greater success amid a near-universally challenging start for the year. “The first quarter of the year is hard for most businesses, and extremely hard for small businesses. This year was no different…
These ‘Urban Heroes’ are helping evolve downtown KC; here’s why they’re on the right path
In a prelude to today’s celebration of downtown Kansas City’s evolution and momentum, four “urban heroes” were honored Thursday for their passionate work to make downtown a more vibrant place to live, work, and play, organizers said. Winners of the “Urban Hero Awards” ranged from honorees on the east side to the Crossroads and the…
