Founders want answers for investors after crowdfunding platform fueling emerging bars, restaurants unexpectedly shutters
News this week that peer-to-peer business lending platform Mainvest would cease operations within a month “came out of left field,” said Jhy Coulter. “We got the email just like everyone else, and it was pretty surprising,” the owner of Orange By: Devoured and Devoured Pizza said, adding that she feels “sad because I felt like…
Read MoreFloraloom founder delivers creative passion that lasts beyond its entrepreneurial bloom
Returning to the studio after having a baby girl in January, Colleen Robertson discovered a bucket of bird of paradise leaves that had lost their color but taken on a new, curvy shape. Initially considering throwing them away, the Floraloom owner later found inspiration in their resemblance to currents — painting them blue to resemble…
Read MoreMake some noise: Massive riverfront development expected to anchor KC as a destination for prosperity
A proposed Berkley Riverfront stadium-side mixed-use development is a game changer for Kansas City, Raven Jemison shared, and it’s is a big reason she chose the role of KC Current president. “Just a soccer club, just a stadium, that’s awesome — obviously, sports is a great platform for economic development — but when you talk…
Read MoreEDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects
Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city. “Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and…
Read MoreCrowdfunding investment helps fan favorite food cart revive second-chance entrepreneur’s outlook
After spending a decade in prison, owning her own catering business has given Stephanie Blaco a new purpose in life, she shared, and a new small business crowdfunding platform is giving her the opportunity — when others wouldn’t — to scale up. “That’s what I believe has kept me out of prison,” the Mixing Bowl…
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