EDCKC

New summer pitch competition builds on KCMO capital programs’ early success; applications open now

A new pitch competition is expected to give impactful small businesses and startups an opportunity to gain broader exposure and win cash prizes as the city’s KC BizCare Office expands capital programs supporting entrepreneurs in Kansas City, Missouri. In late July, five selected business leaders are set to pitch their ideas to about 50 judges,…

EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects

Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city. “​​Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and…

Crowdfunding investment helps fan favorite food cart revive second-chance entrepreneur’s outlook

After spending a decade in prison, owning her own catering business has given Stephanie Blaco a new purpose in life, she shared, and a new small business crowdfunding platform is giving her the opportunity — when others wouldn’t — to scale up. “That’s what I believe has kept me out of prison,” the Mixing Bowl…

Here’s how five urban renewal projects could transform blighted areas across KCMO

A new film studio incubator coming to Troost Avenue. The evolution of the former Marlborough Elementary School. Adapting a towering, historic downtown building for modern needs. This series of revitalization projects involving blighted properties heralds a new era of growth and prosperity for Kansas City, said Dan Moye, noting each newly funded urban renewal initiative…