Latest Stories

‘We are the culture’: KC Chamber finalists link business identity to leadership at the top

“This is our American Dream, it’s our version of it,” said Vu Radley, describing the early days and journey of MADE MOBB, the streetwear brand he built alongside fellow first-generation immigrant co-founders Jesse Phouangphet and Mark Launiu.

Resonus earns MTC investment, vote of confidence as startup accelerates its go-to-market plans

A Kansas City govtech startup is among eight Missouri innovators selected to receive a share of $6.1 million in equity-based investments from MTC’s state-sponsored venture capital program, the agency announced Tuesday.

Meet your World Cup neighbors: Open Doors! reveals 20+ business, artist activations 

Nearly two dozen small businesses, artists, and organizations will move into vacant storefronts this summer as part of an initiative to keep Kansas City’s local business ecosystem at the epicenter of FIFA World Cup action — and beyond, said Nia Webster.

Supplier stops along Prospect: Bus tour connects corporate buyers to east side businesses

The Prospect Business Association is leaning into a more hands-on approach to economic development, said Simone Curls, describing a support concept that brings decision-makers directly into the spaces where small businesses operate — opening the door to future contracts, collaborations, and long-term economic sustainability for entrepreneurs.

KC wants World Cup dollars spread further; Here’s why Airbnb is investing in a metrowide economic base camp

A newly announced strategy aims to boost spending throughout neighborhoods and small businesses across the metro — spreading out FIFA World Cup gains like the roughly $105 million in economic activity in June and July tied to short-term rentals alone.

‘This is a different type of founder’: LaunchKC reveals latest social venture cohort

Kansas City’s startup community has helped Trina Nudson feel seen and understood as an emerging entrepreneur, the Be Aligned founder shared. A spot in this year’s Social Venture Studio cohort could help her dig even deeper into the business realities of the unknown, she said. “I’m an attorney, and if you turn to a fellow…

1 Million Cups pops the bubble, opening stage to rapid-fire pitches from global entrepreneurs

Kansas City’s 1 Million Cups gathering took on an international focus Wednesday, as 13 entrepreneurs from Latin America and the Caribbean joined the community through the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative. Hosted in partnership with Global Ties KC, the gathering featured a special “Rapid 1MC” format, with five international founders presenting before a combined…

WellSky Foundation opens technology hubs to serve Kansas Citians rebooting from homelessness

Two new technology centers — embedded within organizations already offering critical resources — are expected to help expand access to digital skills and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing housing instability.

‘This is legacy work’: DeLaSalle Learning Farm keeps growing as students trade sweat for spoils of the soil

An empty one-acre field next to DeLaSalle High School is blooming into an urban learning farm that will nourish both the students and the neighboring Troost Corridor community.

Maria Meyers is passing the blueprint to KC’s ecosystem; it doesn’t come with a magic wand

“In an environment that is constantly changing and evolving, learning from each other is just part of the fabric of crafting something bigger and better,” said Maria Meyers.