PHKC

Resilience pays off as retail incubator opens doors; Meet the first featured founders at PHKC

Launching a retail incubator in Midtown Kansas City — a physical space targeted for overlooked and under-resourced entrepreneurs — The Porter House KC faced many of the same challenges as emerging small businesses, said Miranda Schultz, but ultimately the effort made it to opening day. “It’s been nice to go through our own trial and…

AI Hub’s art incubator is leaving River Market, taking over top floor of renovated PHKC space

The AI Hub is moving into The Porter House KC’s new 811 Retail Incubator, James Spikes shared, and he’s excited about the connections and opportunities it will bring. After more than a year headquartered in the River Market, the AI Hub’s one-stop art incubator — launched by Spikes and his wife, Taylor Burris — will…

PHKC planning to open its retail incubator in mid-May; here’s a first look inside the east side space

A new space for entrepreneurs to test-run their retail businesses is envisioned as a 12- to 16-month stepping stone to their own permanent storefronts or locations, said Dan Smith, and the resource could be open as soon as this spring. “We’re preparing entrepreneurs to open their own brick and mortars on the east side,” said…

Black Drip plans OctoberFest showcase to give KC a taste of overlooked small businesses

Black Drip Coffee’s OctoberFest is an extension of Charon Thompson’s passion for helping his fellow entrepreneurs, he shared. The free event — now in its third year — aims to bring together coffee enthusiasts, music lovers, and foodies in a vibrant atmosphere that showcases local small business owners. Festivities are set for 2 p.m. to…

Fueled by $15M, MTC releases plan for boosting entrepreneurs: Here’s how KC is already seeing impact

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri — Increased funding for the Missouri Technology Corporation will keep core support programs healthy through 2024, as well as help expand successful pilot initiatives designed to widen economic opportunity in the Show Me State, MTC officials said Tuesday. Among the new efforts gaining extended life through the announcement of MTC’s FY 2024 strategy…