Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

Rhonda Dolan, Udo

Rhonda Dolan, on-demand personal assistant Udo honored as Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year

A lunchtime affair at the 2019 Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Awards quickly turned from celebratory mingling to shock and awe for Rhonda Dolan. “For [the Chamber] to recognize my efforts over the last year, which have been pretty intense, means a lot,” said Dolan, founder and CEO of Udo, reflecting on her…

Back2KC Kansas City Startup Foundation

New home for Back2KC: Kansas City Startup Foundation expands talent pipeline efforts

It’s the Kansas City Startup Foundation’s turn to drive the tour bus, said Darcy Howe, announcing Monday the transfer of the Back2KC talent pipeline initiative to KCSF, the nonprofit ecosystem-building organization that also powers Startland News. The move means KCSF will take ownership of the program for its Oct. 3-4 return, adding a full-time team…

Henry Bloch dies, H&R Block

H&R Block co-founder, legend of KC entrepreneurism Henry Bloch dies at 96

Henry Bloch’s contributions to Kansas City will last generations, business leaders said Tuesday, as word spread of the H&R Block co-founder’s death. “Henry Bloch was an absolute champion of Kansas City in everything he did,” said Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce. “From business endeavors involving H&R Block,…

Mr. K Award finalists

Mr. K Award finalists: RFP360, KC Bier Co., Charlie Hustle among Chamber’s Top 10 Small Businesses

From one of Kansas City’s most popular breweries to a startup that streamlines the RFP process to an apparel company known for its big heart, 10 small businesses received surprise visits Friday — each now a finalist for the prestigious Mr. K Award. “The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce showered us with confetti today…

Matt Condon, Bardavon

Time for apathy is over, Condon says; Advocates make business case for Pre-K funding

Kansas City’s unequal playing field for children and inconsistent access to early education programs has a distinct ripple effect into the business community, Matt Condon said, advocating for Mayor Sly James’ Pre-K for KC initiative. “I don’t make any apologies about what a great city this is. But on this issue in particular, we are…