Latest Stories
CARES Act grants 250 Kansans free tech training, equipment through SnapIT Solutions
With tech positions dominating the market for open and remote jobs, Kansas residents now can enroll in a free, government-funded certification course on IT, cybersecurity or IT project management through SnapIT Solutions, said Neelima Parasker. SnapIT — an Overland Park technology solutions and training company — received funds from the federal CARES Act grant, which…
KC Hall of Fame: Pro Athlete named Small Business of the Year for decades-long winning strategy
Making stewardship — and “blowing people’s minds” — the strategy for your business isn’t always the easiest approach, especially during trying times, said Andrew Dowis, but it’s the most rewarding. “Push yourself to say yes to that crazy idea that doesn’t make sense for the bottom line but makes sense for the betterment of you…
Techstars co-founder Brad Feld launches $25K matching gift for Startland News donor campaign
Editor’s note: The following is an update to Startland News’ Give A Start — an eight-week donor campaign seeking reader support for the nonprofit newsroom. Click here to donate. One week into Startland News’ donor campaign — the nonprofit newsroom’s first big ask for readers’ financial support — the digital publication is announcing the Brad Feld Challenge. Brad Feld —…
Big winner at the Pure Pitch Rally: the American dream (and 8 pitchers vying for more than $91K)
Seven months after launching her startup, Nomi Smith’s PMI Rate Pro already is integrated with the nation’s six private mortgage insurance providers — saving more than 2,000 hours for loan officers and more than $1 million for homebuyers, she said. Competing Monday on stage at the Pure Pitch Rally was another critical milestone, Smith told…
Stronger brew: Messenger blends coffee collective into its behind-the-scenes menu
As the smells of Ibis Bakery and roasting beans waft together at Messenger Coffee in the Crossroads, rising between floors of the spacious and vibrant corner cafe, the flavors haven’t changed since COVID-19 began — nor since the popular Kansas City roasterie joined a freshly launched coffee collective, said Isaac Hodges. It’s still steeped in…
Blue KC ‘investing in the future’ by joining KCRise Fund II to build high-tech startups
Editor’s note: KCRise Fund is a financial supporter of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News, and Darcy Howe, founder and managing director of KCRise Fund, sits on the board of the nonprofit, ecosystem-building entity. This report was produced independently by Startland News. As a leading Kansas City venture firm nears the completion of its…
ECJC leading Johnson County effort to distribute $13.5M in CARES small business grants
A new government lifeline designed to boost Johnson County entrepreneurs hit by the COVID-19 pandemic soon will offer a one-time $10,000 grant to qualified recipients. “Many of Johnson County’s small businesses have limited resources and access to capital during this unprecedented time,” said Ed Eilert, chairman of the Johnson County Board of County Commissioners. “We’re…
KingFit prescription for growth: DiabetesCare startup becomes a pandemic must-have
WICHITA — A new partnership with a medical giant is adding even more fuel to a momentous 2020 for Kansas-grown KingFit, said Miguel Johns. The startup has entered an agreement with BioTel Care, the diabetes division of BioTelemetry — a $2 billion publicly-traded company, that aims to improve health outcomes through innovation. “This partnership opens doors…
Wiener Kitchen’s chef-driven, artisan eats: This time you’ll actually want to see how the sausage is made
The grill hasn’t gone cold for Overland Park-stuffed Wiener Kitchen, said Dave Derr, recalling his unexpectedly packed experience as a restauranteur amid a pandemic season squeezing many small businesses. “We’ve had more revenue at our store than pre-COVID, which is absolutely nuts,” he chuckled in near disbelief. Consumer habits rapidly changed during the onset of…
Hyperloop taps West Virginia for $500M project; Missouri still in the running for future sites, advocate says
A prized hyperloop project headed for West Virginia doesn’t mean Missouri’s hopes of a high-speed transportation system connecting St. Louis to Kansas City are off the rails, said Ryan Weber, KC Tech Council president. Virgin Hyperloop announced Thursday its plans to host a $500 million certification center and test track for billionaire Richard Branson’s experimental…
