Latest Stories
Black & Veatch investing $50K in CAPS network, hoping to unite corporate champions amid lagging labor market
One of the earliest supporters of the Center for the Advanced Professional Studies (CAPS) is stepping up again to set the tone for foundational corporate backing as the Johnson County-spun experiential learning effort scales across North America. CAPS announced Monday a $50,000 investment from Black & Veatch to further long-term employment solutions for the engineering…
‘Cyderes’ emerges from Fishtech, Herjavec merger; new cybersecurity powerhouse aims to reshape market
Editor’s note: Cyderes is a financial partner of Startland News, supporting Community Builders to Watch and Startland News Live. Security stakes are at an all-time high, said Robert Herjavec, star of ABC’s “Shark Tank” and CEO of the newly announced Cyderes — a rebranded cybersecurity leader with its sights set no lower than becoming the new…
Business is a bear: Why Soap Bar closed its storefront to keep inventory flowing to Made in KC, refreshed retail spot
The shelving of Soap Bar in Westport wasn’t the end of a chapter — just a focused business shift, said Matt Bramlette, the Midtown maker behind Toilet Bombs and a variety of self-care products. “We took the look and feel of Soap Bar and merged it with Mid Coast Modern. It was a total refresh,”…
Alchemy Sandbox awards 5 more grants: Lean into failure to make your business ‘worthy to win’
Success isn’t always immediate, Elaina Paige Thomas said, grateful for lessons learned through trial and error, as well as a firm belief that persistence pays off. “What I originally thought my business needed was not seen as a necessity to my panel of judges,” said Thomas, founder of The Next Paige Agency, recalling an experience…
‘HERstory’ roundtable distills women entrepreneur’s restless spirits into June 4 celebration
When women are at the helm, there’s herstory to be made. A new Kansas City-based conference hopes to showcase it. “The Sewing Labs proudly presents, Make’n HERstory, a celebration of women who use their creative muse to make a living and a life,” the nonprofit organization said, teasing its Saturday, June 4 conference experience. The…
Ford investing $95M, adding 1,100 new union jobs at KC plant to boost electric vehicle production
One of Kansas City’s biggest employers is driving further into its commitment to local jobs and strengthening its electric vehicle portfolio, adding a third shift at Ford’s Kansas City Assembly Plant and bringing new focus to its evolving strategy. Ford announced Thursday it is investing $95 million and adding 1,100 new union jobs in Kansas…
She was prepared for a ‘no’ but Niki Baker’s blind outreach scored her exclusive licensing with her alma mater
Faithful to her colors, Niki Baker’s fondness for Kansas State University is unwavering long after she left its campus behind to pursue an art career and a family, she said. Pouring her maker’s mission out on canvas and painting possibility, Baker is now one of the rare few to hold a piece of her alma…
Two Black, women-owned bookstores open conversation on police abolition; Why this UMKC alumna says it could reduce gun violence in KC
Two of Kansas City’s newest Black-, woman-owned bookshops are teaming up to host Derecka Purnell — human rights lawyer, author and University of Missouri-Kansas City alumna — for a community discussion on police abolition and eliminating harm. Aya Coffee + Books and BLK + BRWN are presenting “Community Book Chat with Derecka Purnell” 6:30 p.m….
KC Tech Council elevates apprenticeship leader to COO, concluding succession plan after CEO’s departure
A leading advocate for the region’s tech community announced this week a promotion from within as the KC Tech Council transitions to new leadership after longtime CEO Ryan Weber left the organization this spring. Newly-announced chief operating officer Erin Christensen, who has served as the tech council’s program manager since October 2020 and leads its…
Bring out your good: Un-Dumpster Day launches Saturday with mission to de-clutter
As residents across Kansas City prep for the final weekend garage sales of the spring, a locally-launched website is offering an easier — and more environmentally sustainable solution: connecting those who have personal items to donate to the people, pets and nonprofits that need them. “What we thought was, ‘Why not make a one-stop drop…
