Latest Stories
Tom’s Town cracks open canned cocktail opportunity: ‘We’re not a bubble factory in a can’
People love drinking cocktails, but specialty creations can be intimidating to make, said David Epstein, announcing a new line of canned premium cocktails from the Crossroads-based distiller. “The pandemic ushered in a lot of at-home-drinking, and I think people simply loved the taste,” said Epstein, co-founder of Tom’s Town, describing a renewed thirst for convenience…
J. Rieger plans to relight ‘Electric Park’ in the East Bottoms, sling boozy snow-cones, cocktail floats
A new 11,000-square-foot outdoor space is set to open this fall at J. Rieger & Co., the historic East Bottoms-based distillery, with an homage to one of Kansas City’s brightest but nearly forgotten eras. The Electric Park Garden Bar — featuring a completely open-air patio bar and an adjoining atrium that will serve as an…
Women-led ventures vie for $50K in pitch competition with more than prize money on the line
Finalists in this week’s debut HI-HERImpact pitch competition say the virtual event offers Kansas City’s female social entrepreneurs an opportunity to tell their stories — and potentially score pivotal funding. “Winning it would be life changing for me, my business and the team of people working for Safely Delicious in so many ways,” said Lisa…
Kansas startup founder, Pipeline fellow among finalists in NXTSTAGE healthtech competition
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. WICHITA…
Junior Achievement taps startup leaders as Hall of Fame inductees, KC Innovator winner
The newest inductees to Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City’s Business Hall of Fame play an important role in building the metro’s ecosystem of entrepreneurship, creativity, and cooperation, said Leroy McCarty. “Our 2021 Laureates exemplify the collaborative spirit that elevates Kansas City in the world of business, philanthropy, and civic engagement,” said Leroy McCarty, chairman…
Initiative to employ at-risk KC youth provides jobs for 427 teens, raises $600K for stipend fund
A community’s most impactful investment is in its youth, Mayor Quinton Lucas said Friday during a media event for the Working for Youth anti-violence and youth employment initiative. In April, the mayor’s office announced a partnership with KC Common Good, Hire KC and Entrepreneurship KC to establish the Working for Youth program that would train…
KC pro wrestling rides its return — inside Blip Roasters and fueled by founder’s recovery
The fast-paced world of local wrestling might seem like a crazy one, but its coming return offers DJ Stewart a much-needed sense of normalcy. “It gives me something to be really excited to work on,” said Stewart, owner of Journey Pro KC, announcing the return of the Kansas City wrestling company’s live shows, which found…
Music tech startup doubles crowdfunding goal with more time on the clock: It’s like having the opportunity to invest in Disney on the ground floor, founder says
Roy Scott hopes to repeat history, he said, drawing parallels between his company’s trajectory and the opening scenes of Walt Disney’s successful career in Kansas City. “Anybody who knows me, or does their research on me, can see that my passion and my perseverance and my whole mission is to continue pushing Healthy Hip Hop…
How Yoli Tortilleria’s co-founder went full-time, launched a new zine to showcase Mexican culture
Kansas Citians should get ready for a bold taste of culture, Marissa Gencarelli said, teasing the release of a new mini publication inspired by her rapidly scaling business and its mission to bring a bit of authentic Mexico to the metro. “I posted a picture on Instagram and someone [asked] me if I had ever…
$21M round for Dwolla disruption validates evolving payments platform, CEO says
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. A…
