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U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, Wednesday at Ronawk in Olathe

Legislation to support Native American entrepreneurs could boost grants to tribes, Hawaiian natives

A bipartisan effort to strengthen and expand government-backed opportunities for Native American entrepreneurs got a boost this week, with legislation championed by a Kansas lawmaker advancing in the U.S. House. The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act — introduced by U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, and Eli Crane, R-Arizona — moved out of committee Wednesday, according…

Al Davis Memorial Torch, photo courtesy of Dimensional Innovations

How this KC-designed (and 3D-printed) stadium torch will light the Chiefs’ way to Super Bowl LVIII

Nearly four years after it was unveiled in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, the Al Davis Memorial Torch will serve as a beacon of light — and hometown spirit — for a Kansas City Chiefs team set to take on their 2020 Super Bowl rivals. Designed and developed by Kansas City-based Dimensional Innovations, the 93-foot stadium torch…

New capital programs for KC small businesses unveiled, starting with micro-biz grants 

Editor’s note: Kansas City’s KC BizCare Office and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation are financial supporters or partners of Startland News. A new collaborative effort aims to boost Kansas City’s small business and startup ecosystems by building greater capital readiness among entrepreneurs and increasing access to starting capital, said Tracey Lewis. The Economic Development Corporation…

Kara Lowe, KC Tech Council

KC Tech Council leader tapped as new board member for Technology Councils of North America

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — An advocacy organization that works to amplify priorities from across the tech industry in the United States and Canada has selected a Kansas City champion to join its leadership. The Technology Councils of North America announced this week the appointment of Kara Lowe, president and CEO of the KC Tech Council, to…

KC startup pairs with blockchain platform to build trust, value in premium beef genetics

A newly announced strategic collaboration is expected to help Lenexa-based Vytelle promote the value of feeder cattle, while simultaneously bringing more transparency to a critical market segment within the beef industry. The initiative between Vytelle and BlockTrust Network — an API-driven platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance trust within the beef supply chain —…

Make it Red February: Here are 20+ must-see additions to your KC closet (Super Bowl edition)

The haters might have counted the Kansas City Chiefs out of Super Bowl contention after a lackluster regular season, but these shirts from across the spectrum of KC makers are for the fans who relish the role of underdog, villain, road warrior, and, of course, Swiftie. Check out 20-plus new designs to intercept before the…

Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl ring: How a $14 gold loop on the world’s most famous popstar scored big for this KC maker

Emily Bordner couldn’t believe the once-in-a-lifetime response to her Travis Kelce-themed ring’s appearance on the finger of one of the world’s biggest celebrities. “I’m still in shock,” said Bordner, owner of EB and Co., after images of superstar Taylor Swift rocking her jewelry at the AFC Championship Game on Sunday exploded on social media and…

It’s showtime for KC makers as demand for Super Bowl gear hits the jackpot: Go BTS with Charlie Hustle

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs are headed to their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, Jordan Betts shared, fans are still snatching up merchandise like it’s the first time. “These aren’t even winning-the-Super Bowl shirts,” said Betts, communications manager for Kansas City-based Charlie Hustle, referencing the apparel brand’s newly debuted “Showtime in Vegas”…

‘You’re not just a fan; it’s your livelihood!’ KC makers’ work featured in Chiefs’ playoffs trailer

The NFL playoffs tease a new season of creativity for Kansas City makers like Johnny and Michele Dawbarn — especially when the Chiefs’ success starts the clock on new opportunities. The couple behind Collective EX, sewKC, and HITIDES Coffee (all within their symbiotic studio space in the East Crossroads) recently helped design several items featured…

Tech workforce program championed by former Chiefs star graduates its first KC class

An education initiative recently launched in Kansas City not only focuses on lifting up young people from low-income backgrounds and helping them succeed in the high-tech sector, said pro football hall of famer Will Shields: it upends a cycle of decline and replaces it with building blocks. i.c.stars, headquartered in Chicago, launched in Kansas City…