Latest Stories
K-State 105 entrepreneurship project advances economic growth in Douglas County
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by K-State News. MANHATTAN, Kansas — A K-State 105 project is boosting economic growth in Douglas County by building an entrepreneurship ecosystem. Project organizers say the effort The network of aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses could add 1,300 technology and 300 non-tech, high-paying jobs to Douglas County…
How a military mom’s hobby blossomed into a flower business in rural NW Missouri
Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ROCK PORT, Missouri — Mandy Herron turned two acres…
Tough Chiefs loss propels Kansas City artist to launch winning business
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. The Kansas City Chiefs came up one win short of entering the Super Bowl when they lost by a field goal to the Cincinnati Bengals in January…
Candidates: Unchecked property crime against businesses driven by prosecutor’s failure to hold offenders accountable
Melesa Johnson, Tracey Chappell share their solutions for combatting recent uptick in break-ins at Kansas City businesses Editor’s note: Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker is not seeking re-election, so it’s an open race for her countywide seat. Democrat Melesa Johnson and Republican Tracey Chappell are running in the 2024 general election with a vote…
A simple sauce passed down six generations is headed to your table; Lenexa man says that’s his family’s great legacy
Jack Williams’ dream of seeing his great-grandmother’s picture in every grocery store across the country is one step closer to reality as the Lenexa entrepreneur’s jars of Grandma Morrelli’s pasta sauce — emblazoned with her photo — hit Kansas City shelves. “I’m trying to honor her and family traditions,” he said, describing how the venture…
Bingo with lingo: Black culture reshaped history (and how we talk); this board game revives a timely story of KC pride
A board game originally conceived in the wake of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1969 assassination is making a revival in 2024 — thanks to the Kansas City entrepreneur who created it and remains committed to keeping Black history alive. SLANG-A-LANG!™ returned to shelves earlier this year, said Irene Carter, noting the game was born out…
Here’s how a new data dashboard could help KCMO redirect funds to small businesses
A new data dashboard built to better understand Kansas City’s business needs — and guide the city’s response — is not only revolutionary for the metro, said Nia Richardson, it could be the first of its kind, period. Small business advocates already are calling it a win. “I don’t know of any other city or playbook…
Modern world requires entrepreneurs to think like creatives, says KU’s Innovator in Residence
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. LAWRENCE, Kansas — Building a skill set around creativity is critical to entrepreneurship — especially at a time when careers can be short-lived, said Josh Wexler. “Jobs are no longer for life,” explained the Innovator in Residence at the University…
Grantmaking reboot ‘just one piece of the larger puzzle’ in Kauffman Foundation reset, CEO says
Overhauling the Kauffman Foundation’s grantmaking strategy aligns with a broader, holistic reset for the influential Kansas City organization, said Dr. DeAngela Burns Wallace, emphasizing org-wide moves to deepen the impact and dialogue sparked by its giving. “We’re still engaged in the work happening locally, regionally, and nationally,” said Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing…
















