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…
Read MoreMeet 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…
Read MoreThese ‘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…
Read MoreHoney bunches of joy: How this Raytown bee farm landed its blooming business model
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Erik and Rachael Messner’s home on an acre in south Kansas City gave…
Read MoreStartup Weekend winners could have a billion-dollar solution for struggling taxpayers
Organizers of Missouri Startup Weekend predicted this year’s winner could be poised to be the competition’s next billion-dollar alumni. Solvtax presented the weekend’s winning pitch: a solution for avoiding financial implications through better business and personal property tax management. The idea struck a chord with entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs in both the audience and judge’s…
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