Tag: Racquel Rodriguez

Pipeline reveals new founder-first cohort: Meet the entrepreneurs fueling a Midwest innovation surge 

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2026

With more than a dozen new members joining its fellowship, the Pipeline Entrepreneurs network is growing not only its ranks, Melissa Vincent said; the elite founder-focused program is working to ensure the best of Midwest innovation stays in the region. “We have assembled a powerful group of founders, ranging from deep-tech and life sciences in…

Five stocking stuffer gift ideas that brew support for women-owned KC businesses

By Tommy Felts / November 24, 2025

Editor’s note: The following holiday feature is presented by nbkc bank, where small businesses find big support Shopping with intention this season is just one way Kansas City gift-givers can squeeze local impact into each nook and cranny of those holiday stockings, said Melissa Eggleston, highlighting a sleigh-ful of women-owned businesses shoppers should bank on…

KCSourceLink expands bilingual entrepreneur-focused support, adding two more Community Navigators

By Tommy Felts / August 22, 2025

A network of “Community Navigators” is extending resources deeper into Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, KCSourceLink announced Friday, detailing the hiring of Citlali Valdez and Racquel Rodriguez to its months-old connectivity program. “We are thrilled to welcome these experienced team members,” said Becca Castro, senior director of regional ecosystem development at the UMKC Innovation Center, which…

Small Biz to Watch: El Café Cubano brews rich simplicity inspired by ancestors’ appetite for the American dream

By Tommy Felts / July 12, 2025

Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, curated by editors from Kansas City’s wide array of hard-working entrepreneurs and business owners. Selection criteria is based on factors…

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