Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce

KCMO digital equity effort aimst to boost remote learning, work access for families, entrepreneurs

Economically distressed neighborhoods in Kansas City are at a bigger disadvantage than ever before, Rick Usher said, urging residents to combat digital inclusion as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend the way Kansas Citians learn and work. “Today, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing us to social distance in ways that include remote work and distance…

‘Businesses need help now’: AltCap unveils $5M COVID-19 relief loan fund with Kauffman, civic, private backing

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial supporter of Startland…

Mural by Phil “Sike Style” Shafer and JT Daniels, Plexpod River Market

Murals by Sike Style, JT Daniels paint ‘One KC’ across state line, Plexpod locations

Economic momentum in the Kansas City region has never been stronger — no matter which side of the state line a business operates, Gerald Smith said. A colorful pair of murals now splash that reality across two of the veteran entrepreneur’s Plexpod locations. Reflecting a border war “truce” — called in August between the governors of…

Paseo Gateway / Northwest opportunity zone, Kansas City, Missouri We Grow KC

We Grow KC investment summit aims to harness opportunity zones to empower neighborhood social fabric

Investment is a two-way street that can have a positive impact on both investors and community residents, said Dianne Cleaver. A new gathering — the June 26-27 We Grow KC Opportunity Zones Investor Summit — aims to bridge the potential divide between such neighbors with the back of Cleaver’s Urban Neighborhoods Initiative, the Ewing Marion…

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…