Latest Stories
Know where your meat comes from? For KC shoppers, it’s in a vending machine outside this popular coffee spot
If a farm-to-table beef vending machine is going to successfully plug into a hungry market, Tim Haer has just the place to meet the challenge, he said. “Kansas City — at one point in time — had the largest stockyard in the nation and we were known as Cowtown USA,” noted the startup worker-turned-Green Grass…
$2M grant expected to fuel workforce training, equity hub led by BioNexus KC, Missouri bioscience partners
The Kansas City region must level up to meet the demand of the expanding life sciences industry and support underserved job seekers, said Dennis Ridenour, announcing a $2 million in federal funds aimed at boosting readiness to fill talent shortages. The funding award will establish the “Bioscience Industry Occupational Training and Equity Collaborative Hub for…
Rep. Davids rejoins small biz committee amid leadership party switch in U.S. House
In her return to Congress after re-election in November, Sharice Davids will serve as a voice for Kansas on three major drivers of the state’s economy, particularly in the newly-redrawn Kansas Third district, the congresswoman’s office said Tuesday. Late Monday night, U.S. Rep. Davids, D-Kansas, was granted a waiver to again serve on the House…
Forged in fire: KC blacksmith hammers red hot career crafting tools after surviving blaze (and blade)
A hand-forged knife introduced Brandon Dearing to blacksmithing; one also nearly cost him his life. The Hand and Hammer owner now makes tools — such as tongs and a variety of hammers — for other blacksmiths, using forging techniques he learned as a youth growing up in the country near Archie, Missouri. “TV shows and…
‘Food is Medicine’ tech platform shows appetite for growth with new $2.1M seed round
A patient-driven digital platform that empowers lower income Americans living with chronic health conditions to order the diet-specific foods and support they need announced Thursday it has closed a $2.1 million seed investment. The funding for Free From Market — one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 — allows the company…
Head in the grounds: Why Ben Cloud is the first (and last) hand to touch his evolving coffee brand
Americans drink coffee like water, youth entrepreneur Benjamin Cloud noted, and he’s doing his part to fuel their habit. The recent Shawnee Mission North graduate — inspired by an intro to business class — started Cloud’s Coffee two years ago when he was 15. “I initially thought about coffee because of the size of the…
Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures among 7 local restaurants, bars named James Beard semifinalists
Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Kansas City is well represented in the national food competition this year — with The Town Company, Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures and…
Diverse startups are growing in KC, but is equitable funding matching their traction?
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Kansas City Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. While Kansas City has ample resources for the growing number of budding entrepreneurs, BIPOC…
The Nelle — a ‘third space’ for women and LGBTQ+ creatives — closing its doors Jan. 31
Lauren Saks Merriman is proud of The Nelle HQ’s two years in the Crossroads Arts District, she said, recalling its impact as a genuine environment for empowered thought, inclusion and connection. “We set out to offer a safe space for inspiration and community,” said Merriman, founder of The Nelle. “And that’s exactly what we’ve accomplished.” …
nbkc partners with Acorns as Kansas City bank deposits expanded fintech focus
A move by nbkc bank to provide Banking as a Service (BaaS) solutions to Acorns — a leading saving and investing app — is part of a broader strategy to invest in fintech companies without bank charters, said Melissa Eggleston. “We see a lot of potential as fintechs are taking off around the country. These…
