Latest Stories

Techstars prescribes $220K investment, credibility boost for KC healthtech startup 

“It’s a point of validation that somebody else thinks highly enough of the vision we’ve set,” said Dr. Brandy Archie. “We think we can grow to be a force and make a big change in the world, and they back that with dollars and see that possibility.”

Soccer icon Matt Besler: Other World Cup hosts are asking ‘How can we follow KC’s lead?’

Kansas City might be the smallest city hosting FIFA World Cup games this summer, but it’s already showing the other 15 cities how to lead the way, the former Sporting Kansas City superstar shared.

Hungry to scale, Glenn Robinson built a following around KC’s food scene: ‘All we do is eat’

The creator behind Hood Dude Food Reviews has become one of the city’s most influential champions of Black-owned restaurants and small businesses. His formula is simple: show up, press record, and tell the truth.

Moving humanity forward isn’t always pleasant, Block founder says, urging innovators to keep crossing the line

What’s so cool about getting up every day to do something that you don’t know is going to work? Jim McKelvey asked a crowd gathered for the Rockhurst University Leadership Series about the realities of forging ahead as an entrepreneur.

It’s open season on fresh eats at Iron District: See what’s new from North KC’s container cuisine hub

“We are getting away from the incubator concept but we would still like to help people grow,” said Phillip Jones, food service director at the Iron District. 

Just funded: Meet 6 new Sandbox startups poised to impact digital health, AI innovation

A fresh round of novel technology concepts — ranging from deterring AI-powered surveillance to supporting families raising autistic children — are among the latest to earn proof-of-concept backing from Digital Sandbox KC.

KC’s new ‘mini con’ experience set to showcase local comic book creators, family-friendly cosplay

A community-powered pop-up comic book convention is expected to put local artists on the front and center, said Brandon Calloway, illustrating the need for a smaller, more accessible comic con experience in Kansas City. Heartland Mini Con — set for May 30 at Equal Minded Cafe, 4327 Troost Ave. — is designed to be welcoming…

AI to World Cup (with hunger in between): Here’s how C3KC hopes to spark conversation

The sold-out C3KC conference — a one-day community meetup returning Tuesday to Union Station — is putting the spotlight on relevant, cutting-edge Kansas City concerns, with its brightest focus on social innovation, organizers said.

KC Chamber reveals Top 10 small businesses; one will be named Mr. K Award winner

“You got here by persevering, showing innovation and passion,” Vicky Kulikov told the latest batch of Mr. K Award finalists.

World Cup showcase: Small biz marketplace planned for high-traffic Union Station hub during games

A five-week activation at Kansas City’s Union Station is expected to give World Cup visitors and locals a taste of the region’s small business community — gathering a mix of retail, service-based concepts, and experiences not far from the official FIFA Fan Festival.