Latest Stories

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.

He’s bringing a micro bathhouse concept to the Crossroads; Kyle Steppe’s vision: a phone-free communal experience

A new bathhouse concept from Kyle Steppe is expected to dial up the heat in downtown Kansas City — bringing a more social, immersive take on sauna culture to the city’s wellness scene. 180° Bathhouse, a micro bathhouse experience, is set to open in August inside the Holtman Building, currently under renovation by Molzer Development…

Esports collaboration with Ottawa University connects student talent to pro teams

A new partnership between the Kansas City Pioneers and Ottawa University is aiming to strengthen the Midwest’s esports ecosystem — and create a clearer path from college competition to the professional stage.

KC GIFT pitch competition winner smiling on stage, celebrating innovation and teamwork.

Winning chemistry: KC GIFT pitch competition rewards joy on stage, work behind the scenes

Earning a $30,000 grand prize over the weekend closed out a six-week process for LaToya Ebony Sirls and other founders who were pushed to refine not just how they present, but how they build.

Woman smiling at a conference, representing Kauffman-funded entrepreneurial projects.

Kauffman funds 46 more project, research grants; many boosting early entrepreneurship 

The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation recently announced its latest tranche grantees, investing in community-centered solutions that dovetail with its strategic focus on college access and completion, workforce and career development, and entrepreneurship.