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
Caterpillar subsidiary expands into KC, turning dirt to create 85 jobs in revitalized industrial corridor near riverfront
A multi-million dollar expansion project is expected to put an aging manufacturing site back on track in Kansas City, officials at Progress Rail announced Monday, noting the converted operation will focus on re-manufacturing railcar wheelsets and bearings. Progress Rail — a wholly owned subsidiary of Caterpillar Inc. — expects to bring 85 new full-time jobs…
H&R Block CEO files retirement plans; company sets ‘smooth transition’ to new chief executive
Announcing his plan to retire at the end of 2025, the CEO for one of Kansas City’s most iconic businesses called his work at H&R Block the past eight years “the honor of a lifetime.” “We have elevated Block’s relevance, built an extraordinary culture, made bold bets to drive growth, rebuilt about every piece of…
Kauffman targets $250K grant toward vacant storefront revitalization as World Cup looms
Funding from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is expected to help Kansas City prepare for an influx of visitors cheering on competitors at the 2026 FIFA World Cup — activating vacant storefronts in key areas with retail, artist, and community-focused pop-ups, city leaders said this week. The KCMO-centered initiative — first announced in June and patterned…
Pilot competition taps drugless mental health solution for latest tech-infused cohort
A Kansas City-connected startup that helps users see their feelings with its drugless biofeedback/neurofeedback technologies is among 10 companies selected for the latest pilot cohort from NXTUS in Wichita. Finalists for the 2025 NXTSTAGE Community Health & Vibrancy Pilot Competition were announced Wednesday, including Columbia, Missouri-based Healium, which offers tech-driven mental wellness products that quickly…
Entrepreneurs say DoorDash accelerator delivered, prepping their small businesses for tall orders ahead
Ten graduates of DoorDash’s 12-week Midwest accelerator gathered Wednesday to celebrate successes from the program, along with lessons they say will last longer than the $5,000 grants each entrepreneur received. “Running a small business is tough work, and it meant so much to receive support from DoorDash and my home of Kansas City,” said Tanyech…
C2FO named top fintech by CNBC; leaders celebrate win, pushing toward $500B funding milestone
A Kansas City fintech’s award-winning efforts to boost working capital access for businesses across the globe not only has built trust among the world’s top enterprises, said Sandy Kemper; it’s positioned C2FO for even greater impact as it transforms the financing landscape for previously overlooked ventures. The company was honored this month as one of…
He retired after an exit; now this govtech veteran is back in a CFO role for KC-scaled PayIt
As Kansas City-built PayIt scales across North America, a new financial leader is expected to help guide the company in its game-changing efforts to help government agencies modernize, serve their residents, and improve operating efficiency. Steve Kovzan, a nearly 30-year veteran of leadership across government technology and finance spaces, is now chief financial officer at…
Kauffman Foundation launches new executive role to lead its Real World Learning team
Cross-sector collaboration will be key for Misty Chandler as she embarks on a freshly carved out journey within the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation’s evolving Real World Learning strategy, said Dr. Susan Klusmeier, lauding the longtime advocate for her wealth of experience with workforce readiness and student success at the University of Kansas. “Her deep understanding…
Fund Me, KC: ULAH asks Kansas City to help save Westwood menswear store as pandemic debt looms
Startland News is continuing its long-running “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like menswear retailers and trendsetters Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain…
These 15 KCMO projects just got a $19M+ boost; funding focused on inclusive community investments
A pair of high-profile projects at 18th and Vine — restoring the Boone Theater and its Kansas City jazz legacy, along with transforming the long-vacant Workhouse Castle into a boutique hotel — offer just a few notes from a chorus of just-funded redevelopment initiatives aimed at buoying small business and tackling challenges in Kansas City’s urban core….