Latest Stories

Popular airport vending machines stocked with local maker goods won’t make the move to new terminal

When Kansas City’s new terminal opens Feb. 28 — booked full of local brands — a retail startup that weathered nearly a decade (and a pandemic that grounded much of the nation’s air travel) at the airport won’t be among those selling KC goods at the new shopping destination, its founders announced this week. SouveNEAR…

Rebooted Fashion Arts Fund takes the runway with iconic KC founder’s foot on the pedal

The Kansas City fashion community is getting a boost thanks to a nationwide fashion initiative and a newly announced relaunch of a local fashion organization — led by an iconic veteran of KC’s fashion community. The Kansas City Fashion Council announced Thursday its rebranding as Fashion Arts Fund with Jennifer Lapka, longtime Kansas City entrepreneur…

Cost of victory: Potential Super Bowl parade would bring hefty price tag to KCMO

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by CityScene KC, an online news source focused on Greater Downtown Kansas City. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for the weekly CityScene KC email review. Being a successful NFL city doesn’t come cheap. The estimated cost to city taxpayers for a hoped-for Feb. 15…

From the mixing bowl to the Super Bowl: Why this KC baker’s cookies are flying with the Chiefs to Arizona

Editor’s note: The following is part of a multi-story feature profiling Kansas City small businesses reaping wins thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl bid. Click here to read more from this limited series. Ali Madden’s frosted confections are taking flight this week — sending the cheeky cookie company to new heights, literally,…

Mahomes-era Chiefs prove a game-changer for small biz, community alike, says Tom’s Town owner

Editor’s note: The following is part of a multi-story feature profiling Kansas City small businesses reaping wins thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl bid. Click here to read more from this limited series. Time and time again, the Chiefs organization and team show how they are truly ingrained in the local community,…

Travis Kelce’s Super Bowl catchphrases score big for KC merch makers, driving business into the end zone

Editor’s note: The following is part of a multi-story feature profiling Kansas City small businesses reaping wins thanks to the Kansas City Chiefs’ 2023 Super Bowl bid. Click here to read more from this limited series. When the Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce opens his mouth, fans roar, social media lights up, and makers across…

Strength in numbers: Chamber’s Superstars bench surges to 2,500 KC small businesses

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. A new round of nominations and submissions have brought the KC Chamber’s roster of Small Business Superstars to more than double its initial size — further amplifying…

KC-based Tico Sports is headed back to the Super Bowl too; this time play-by-playing both sides

A Kansas City production is returning to the Super Bowl Sunday as the official Spanish language broadcaster for both the Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles. It’s Tico Sports’ third trip to the big game — but the first where the Latino-owned company will broadcast for both competing teams. “We are incredibly thankful for our relationships…

To love your coworkers, love yourself first; and, yes, the Golden Rule applies at work too (Holistic Hustle)

Kharissa Parker is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and columnist for Startland News. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. Editor’s note: This commentary on relationships — and how getting along with co-workers begins closer to home than you might think — wraps up Parker’s…

They’re plating my jam! How a homecoming dance inspired this teen’s charcuterie business with family on board

Curating colorful boards of meats, cheeses, nuts and fruits always came natural to Bella Messmer, she shared; it wasn’t until after she started her charcuterie business that she learned that passion was passed down from her grandmother.  “In the ’70s, Bella’s grandmother would host these lavish parties among other Miami socialites, and she would make…