Latest Stories

Kelly Sievers and Lauren Lawrence, Innovation Exchange

Capital connector’s message to women: Your investor pool isn’t just sharks; dive in and learn to swim

When it comes to navigating the waters of capital and equity, Women’s Capital Connection angel investment network and the Women’s Business Center serve as a guide to both entrepreneurs and investors, Kelly Sievers shared. “All the education that we do and all the connections that we make, I would say that’s really the key,” explained…

Entrepreneur behind Soul of Santa aims to create Rockefeller Plaza holiday experience on KC’s east side

Tucker Lott hopes an outdoor ice skating rink at 2000 Vine — the home of Vine Street Brewing — will help solidify a new holiday tradition in the 18th and Vine entertainment district, the veteran entrepreneur said. “We wanted to create a holiday atmosphere where families could gather and have fun,” said Lott. “The entire…

Proptech startup Particle Space acquired by LA real estate marketing software firm

The acquisition of a Kansas City proptech startup by one of its first — and biggest — customers offers founder David Biga the opportunity to pivot back to his entrepreneurial roadmap, he said, reflecting on next steps once Particle Space’s technology is fully integrated into its new home. “Build, give back, build, give back,” Biga…

Speak easy and SprinkleSumSalt: Podcaster passes the mic to KC’s underground arts scene

Untold stories of creative talent and entrepreneurial spirit are raging beneath the surface of Kansas City’s mainstream, said Bump Jonas, who finds vibrant inspiration in musicians, chefs, and small business owners angling to reach a broader audience. “I wanted to bring something unique to Kansas City, a space where artists and entrepreneurs can connect and…

Social studies to social venture: Missouri teen’s micro business helps students across the globe

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. LOUIS — It wasn’t an entrepreneurship course that…

Small biz in Africa needs capital to grow; here’s how C2FO, World Bank member are bringing ‘much-needed liquidity’

A new strategic partnership between Kansas City-built C2FO and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is expected to enhance financing for local enterprises in Africa — bolstering job growth and economic prosperity in an underserved segment of the global market. “C2FO is honored and delighted to collaborate with IFC to broaden the global…

KC-brewed FairWave chases aromas east, adding Baltimore-area roaster to its coffee collective

Working with a larger, experienced leadership team and collaborating with new specialty coffee friends throughout the FairWave coffee collective will be a total game changer for Maryland-based Ceremony Coffee Roasters, said Ronnie Haas. Ceremony on Monday announced it had joined the family of brands under FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective, which is headquartered in Kansas City…

Don’t sleep on Kansas City: How this Killa collab draws out KC’s ‘Little Villains’ at just the right season

Drafted from creativity in the Crossroads, a hand-sketched character inspired by Kansas City’s rising national profile (and the familiar personalities behind it) is now finding fans on and off the field … well, lawn. “The Killa” — a football player repping No. 87 — has made the leap from team yard decorations to a starring…

Disney preservationists launch $4M campaign, add key collaborators to save iconic animator’s KC studio

The legacy of Walt Disney’s foundational time in Kansas City — and the structure the famed animator left behind on Troost Avenue — must be preserved frame by frame, said supporters of an ambitious redevelopment project at the former Laugh-O-gram Studios. A newly launched “Dreams Start Here” campaign aims to secure a future for the historic…

His family-fried waffle spot is open for cheat day (but not breakfast); How Dennis Alazzeh played chicken with restaurant trends and won

Kansas City-battered Chick-In Waffle is expanding into Johnson County; its owner — a son from within Jerusalem Cafe’s founding family — gives the classic American chicken-and-waffle combo a global twist with flavors like Asian chili, tikka masala, and queso After slogging away in his father’s restaurants while in school, Dennis Alazzeh swore off the industry…