The Porter House KC

PHKC earns more state funding for 811 Retail Incubator; MTC boosting small biz

Another round of financial support from the Missouri Technology Corporation proves state economic development leaders understand that innovation also runs along main street, said Dan Smith. The Porter House KC — which just opened its 811 Retail Incubator in late July — is among seven entities just awarded a total of $1.8 million in Physical Infrastructure…

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…

CRWND as a KC pitch contest winner, Keliah Smith expands her product line (and comfort zone)

Keliah Smith was nervous. She’d never been a fan of speaking in front of a crowd, but knew exposing her discomfort and weakness through the Alchemy Sandbox pitch competition was just part of the ongoing journey of an entrepreneur, she said. Avoiding that spotlight, Smith noted, already had kept her — and her business, CRWND…