Startland News Staff

Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.

Recent Stories by Startland News Staff

GEWKC submissions open: Organizers seek community-sourced ideas for fall event series

One of Kansas City’s largest interactive educational experiences for entrepreneurs is inviting community members to drive the conversation when Global Entrepreneurship Week returns in November. Festivities are set for Nov. 17-22 at Union Station in Kansas City. The GEWKC event series’ programming is crowd-sourced through submissions from community members and organized by KCSourceLink. Selected concepts…

KC’s Enduralock secures $1.25M SpaceWERX contract to boost satellite docking tech 

A Lenexa tech company has been selected by the innovation arm of the U.S. Space Force to address one of the most-pressing challenges facing military operations in the skies and beyond. Enduralock just announced its selection for a $1.25 million contract aimed at using the company’s new connector system, OneLink, to enable modular in-space servicing…

Hyde Park coffee space reopens with family vibe fitting historic neighborhood’s roots, owners say

A newly opened neighborhood coffee shop in Hyde Park hopes to bring a fresh, family-friendly vibe to Kansas City’s bustling coffee scene, its owners said. “We created 1888 Coffee to be something different — not just another café, but a welcoming hub for our community,” said Christine Kehoe, co-owner and operator of 1888 Coffee with…

KCMO awards another $100K to help businesses boost outdoor dining ahead of World Cup

A fresh round of funding for upgraded outdoor dining experiences at small businesses across Kansas City, Missouri, will put entrepreneurs ahead of the game when World Cup revelers arrive in 2026, city officials said Thursday. Twelve recipients were chosen this week to receive their slice of $100,000 from KCMO’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program —…

KC’s pro pickleball team getting new $6.5M home near Arrowhead, Kauffman Stadium

A long-awaited redevelopment project in Kansas City’s stadium corridor is transforming the former CoCo Key Water resort into a vibrant destination pickleball facility with eight indoor courts, a full-service bar and restaurant, a coffee shop, and event spaces. It also will be home to the Kansas City Stingers, a professional team in the National Pickleball…

Entrepreneur duo uses KC Current blueprint to acquire Danish football, build multi-club portfolio

A just-announced deal to purchase a premier women’s football club in Denmark reflects Angie and Chris Long’s unwavering commitment to investing in women’s soccer at the highest level, the couple said, noting they’ll continue their work to raise the bar for players, supporters, and communities both nationally and internationally. Ballard Capital, a sports entertainment-focused investment…

Time runs out for Missouri angel investor tax credit push as legislators close session early 

A last-minute effort to pass legislation to boost Missouri entrepreneurs and innovators was thwarted earlier this month when state lawmakers abruptly ended their legislative session, said Jason Wiens, who led advocacy for the creation of a new Show-Me State angel investor tax credit. Amid “escalating partisan tensions” May 14 — and headline grabbing speculation about how…

Student-raised meats graduate to university storefront as consumers look closer at what makes the cut

WARRENSBURG, Mo. — A new partnership puts pork chops, brats and select cuts from across farming projects at the University of Central Missouri in a retail storefront accessible to community members shopping for locally raised meat. UCM Farms — which spans more than 1,000 acres of farm ground within 10 miles of campus — is…

Nonprofit founder, tech people leader join Kauffman as trustees on shared mission: economic inclusivity

The year-long transformation of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation continues this week as the influential philanthropic organization announced two new trustees meant to bolster its rebooted grantmaking strategy and commitment to driving equitable economic mobility in Kansas City. Newly appointed leaders to the Kauffman Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Aimée Eubanks Davis and Kristen Ludgate bring…

Goodwill’s ‘adult high school’ in KC just scored major funding wins (and hired its first leader)

A first-of-its kind adult high school in the region hit two big funding milestones this month, said organizers of the Excel Center, announcing six-figure financial contributions from the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as well as a key hire. Led by Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas (MoKan…