Latest Stories
Nonprofit launching retail incubator for Asian-owned businesses; next up: a cultural district in Columbus Park
A new retail incubator in a former Columbus Park tattoo shop is expected to push forward the nonprofit mission of Hella Good Deeds — amplifying the Asian community in Kansas City — while boosting sales for Asian-owned, product-based businesses, said Béty Lê Shackelford. The vision for “Jade Market”: take over the recently-vacated Tiger Alley Tattoo…
First he built the data infrastructure, then a $2B valuation: It’s new territory for AI in construction
LINCOLN, Neb. — When his Midwest startup launched, founder Luke Hansen had modest expectations for success, he said. Hansen was focused on building a sustainable business, not a billion-dollar company. “The immediate goal was like, ‘Can we make enough that we’re just not losing money every month, paying ourselves pretty low salaries?’” said Hansen, CEO…
Tech leader’s side story: Revisiting abandoned childhood dreams could help break cycles of abuse, incarceration
His storytelling startup uses artificial intelligence to craft visions of the future where children feel seen, but a new partnership with a courtroom support organization is extending Herson Fails’ mission — and magic — to adults, he said. Fails’ Six-Seven Experience aims to reconnect participants with their childhood dreams, align them with their current strengths,…
Ownership influences prosperity: 12-week biz academy targets entrepreneurs past survival mode
The Greenline Foundation is taking a layered approach to economic growth on Kansas City’s east side, Ajia Morris said, connecting entrepreneurship, real estate, and access to capital in ways designed to last. At the center of that work is the Community Business Academy, a 12-week program that gives entrepreneurs practical tools, financial structure, and direct…
This startup veteran’s new roadway safety tool turns any smartphone into a work-zone inspector
Worker safety within high-traffic roadway construction zones is stalled in the 1970s, said founder Zikomo Fields, driving the vision for a 21st century approach that uses tech to hit the brakes on fatalities. “There’s not a lot of software that is ensuring that these work zones are set up correctly,” said Fields, CEO of Kansas…
Shoot your shot: Sports stars fell in love with his signature style; here’s how game recognizes game
Patrick Mahomes smiles for the camera. A sharp “wink” sound is heard on the video, and when the clip lands on Instagram, Kansas City instantly recognizes it as the work of Joseph Termini. The signature style has become synonymous with Termini Media, the Kansas City-based company Termini built as a teenager and has grown into…
New owner: Charlie Hustle’s iconic heart will remain as brand exports KC vibe to new cities
As Charlie Hustle’s new owners work to scale the Kansas City-built apparel company, the brand won’t lose its heart, they said, pledging instead to pattern expansion efforts after the vintage-feel and hometown-first ethos that made Charlie Hustle a go-to source for KC pride. A critical piece of the plan: Hit new markets, city by city…
Mayor: KC will help Royals activate its downtown ballpark dream (without sacrificing taxpayers’ wallets)
Kansas City won’t lose its crown on his watch, Quinton Lucas pledged during the mayor’s State of the City address Wednesday at City Hall, offering a commitment to work out a home-run deal for Kansas City residents that keeps the Royals in Missouri and brings the baseball club’s downtown stadium dream to reality. “As part…
Pipeline reveals new founder-first cohort: Meet the entrepreneurs fueling a Midwest innovation surge
With more than a dozen new members joining its fellowship, the Pipeline Entrepreneurs network is growing not only its ranks, Melissa Vincent said; the elite founder-focused program is working to ensure the best of Midwest innovation stays in the region. “We have assembled a powerful group of founders, ranging from deep-tech and life sciences in…
