Quest Taylor

Cristle Reed, Heartshaped Clothing, 1 Million Cups

1 Million Cups celebrating black startups with all black founders, experts in February

A lineup of all black presenters and experts at February’s 1 Million Cups events aims for exposure and awareness about Kansas City’s thriving community of black entrepreneurs, said Adrienne Haynes. “Many of these companies are not necessarily tech-based. They might not be at Plexpod or WeWork. Many of them have their own facilities — maybe…

Survey: KC small businesses lack action on diversity, inclusion efforts

For many small business people and entrepreneurs, working outside the corporate world has its perks. Some like the nimble nature of a small team, as well as the death of the cubicle. Others appreciate the adrenaline that comes with taking risks. Aside from the benefits, a recent study suggests that smaller businesses in Kansas City…

Meet Project UK, an accelerator helping entrepreneurs from underserved KC communities

Project UK founder Quest Taylor was ecstatic Tuesday when he received news his accelerator earned funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “It was a stamp of approval for the organization,” Taylor said of the accelerator, which was founded in early 2017. “I was not expecting to receive the grant. We really had to prove…

Rebecca Dove, Pennez

Pennez wants to turn the page on youth illiteracy with AI app

If you’re reading this, congratulations, you’re literate. Statistically, this is something to be proud of as 773.5 million people are illiterate around the world. It also means that you’re more likely to have a higher-paying job and be able to more fully participate in society. Rebecca Dove, a former elementary school teacher, saw first-hand that…