Latest Stories
Out-of-the-box business: How Ling Vong’s food truck got more than she bargained for with Labubus
Ling Vong’s decision to sell Labubus alongside her Vietnamese street food wasn’t random, the owner of Dragon Wagon KC and KC Monsters shared. It was a strategy rooted in serving culture, creating experiences, and building community, she said.
Boulevard’s Easy Orange ale makes Dutch fans’ bucket lists as World Cup anticipation ferments
Boulevard Brewing Co.’s Easy Orange limited-edition summer ale was so popular in 2025, the Kansas City brewery planned to roll it out again this year — long before Kansas City was announced as the FIFA World Cup base camp for the Netherlands.
KC-built startup brokers $18M funding round as benefitbay pushes market trends to the norm
A just-announced $18 million Series A round for benefitbay is more than just investor or market validation, said Brandy Thompson; it’s a signal that the solution she built in Kansas City is no longer part of a niche conversation with consultants and employers — too often requiring lengthy explanations about why the model matters.
Big Grove Brewery opens in Prairie Village, leading neighborhood’s sprawling retail reboot
A massive restaurant and brewery is the first tenant to open in the redeveloped Macy’s building in Prairie Village, with more tenants coming soon to the complex, as well as The Shops of Prairie Village.
Good data can light the path: Kauffman celebrates impact of 30 years of entrepreneur research
Necessity is driving a burst of entrepreneurial activity — especially among immigrant, Latino and Black communities, according to new data released this week by the Kauffman Foundation, reflecting mixed news for the state of American entrepreneurship as the influential Kansas City nonprofit celebrated 30 years of research.
Made in KC owners selected for Junior Achievement hall of fame alongside trio of business leaders
“These outstanding leaders have not only shaped our region through their work, but they’re also setting a powerful example for the next generation,” said Megan Sturges. “Their stories show the thousands of students we serve each year what’s possible, inspiring them to chase their passions and become the positive change they envision for their communities.”
NXTUS launches alumni collective to keep founders connected to resources after programs end
The journey doesn’t end with an end-of-cohort pitch showcase, NXTUS leaders said this week, debuting a new network for alumni of its portfolio of Wichita-based entrepreneur growth programs.
Leaked discount codes cost online sellers millions; KC startup sweeps their profits back
Kansas City startup Veeper built its business around discounts, explained co-founder Jordan Williams; now, it’s helping ecommerce brands stop such deals — and fraud often linked to influencer marketing — from eating into profits.
No height limit for entrepreneurship: Kansas nonprofit boosts children’s business literacy
“We look at every child as a leader right now,” said Leah Ellis, founder of The Society of Child Entrepreneurs, “and ask them what they want to see happening in their community today, rather than kicking the can down the road until they’re older or taller.”
This 45-year-old Missouri brand became an unexpected TikTok star (and earned its team $1M in bonuses)
Social media turned a Smithville, Missouri-based, family-owned business into an overnight sensation; now the tight-knit team behind the viral odor eliminator is trying to preserve the scent of success.
