Latest Stories
University launching effort for Native small biz, focused on ‘Indianpreneurship,’ resilience
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. LAWRENCE, Kansas — A Kansas university is looking forward to developing indigenous and minority entrepreneurs through a new program funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Haskell Indian Nations University…
Shop Local KC leader says she won’t live in fear after parade shooting marks third encounter with gun violence
For the third time in two years, Katie Mabry van Dieren and her small businesses have been impacted by gun violence, she shared, and now the advocate for local makers is calling for gun reform. “It’s unimaginable,” Mabry van Dieren, owner of Shop Local KC and founder of Strawberry Swing, said in the wake of…
Cornstalks to cardboard: This KS company is turning farmers’ trash into sustainable fiber packaging
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. WILLIAMSBURG, Kansas — One small town just south of I-35 in Franklin County — population 390 — soon will become home to a new world headquarters, said Mark Majors. Williamsburg’s…
Vine Street Brewing drafts ‘Afrodisiac’ Ale: A tribute to love, Black culture
A cross-Kansas City collaboration crafted specifically for the month of February could become a staple at Vine Street Brewing if customers fall in love with the blend as much as its brewers hope. Kansas City’s first Black-owned brewery — in partnership with André’s Chocolates and The Black Pantry — unveiled ‘Afrodisiac’ last week, offering a…
Fans packed Chiefs rally, one didn’t come home; citywide trauma from shooting won’t heal quickly, grief expert says
Trauma and grief come in waves, said Mindy Corporon, foreshadowing a long road ahead for those impacted — directly and indirectly — by Wednesday’s shooting near the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl victory rally. Like many across the region, Corporon, co-founder of the Merriam-based nonprofit SevenDays foundation, was watching the Chiefs parade on TV when…
Black leaders need to earn a ‘thriving wage’ before they can help others; an Evergy-backed cohort could help them ascend
A new program backed by entrepreneur support groups and Evergy aims to raise household income by at least 30 percent for participating Black professionals, nonprofit founders, and entrepreneurs, said Craig Moore II. “The ultimate goal is making sure you’re a leader who can do more than show up and talk about community — you have the…
Last to know, first to go: ‘Out of touch’ ballpark plan leaves Crossroads small biz owners feeling betrayed
Unlike many of her Crossroads neighbors — hoping to draw in crowds of football fans still riding high from Kansas City’s Super Bowl win — Jill Cockson’s business wasn’t open during Wednesday’s Chiefs victory parade. Candidly, jersey-clad sports enthusiasts aren’t really within her typical customer profile, the James Beard-nominated owner of Chartreuse Saloon said, and…
Royals want Crossroads ballpark open by 2028, calling up ‘generational’ impact on newly linked arts district, downtown
A late-to-the-game East Crossroads site is expected to take shape as the new home of the Kansas City Royals if voters approve the extension of a stadium sales tax that would help support the $2 billion downtown ballpark project. Ending months of speculation, majority owner John Sherman and team officials announced on Tuesday the ball…
KC apparel brand commandeers Chiefs’ ‘Nobody Likes Us’ spirit for latest wave of designs
Back in 2016 — when the Chiefs were still rebuilding from a franchise-worst season — Joe Brynds set sail with Commandeer Brand, aiming to carve a niche in the apparel industry by infusing pride and the rebellious spirit of counter-culture. “When I started Commandeer, I wanted to create something that was unique to Kansas City,”…
Why one entrepreneur is Swiftly rolling up the warehouse doors for thirsty Chiefs parade-goers
Wednesday’s Chiefs victory parade will be the city’s third in four years, but for East Crossroads-based Wild Way Coffee, the 2024 rolling downtown-to-midtown event hits different, said Christine Clutton. The brand’s iconic mobile coffee camper — stationed in the Wild Way warehouse at 708 E. 19th St. for the winter — will once again open…
