Corporate Stories
Shopify-linked e-commerce platform adds $5M KCMO investment to its cart, delivering 46 new jobs to region
A 113,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Kansas City is expected to help Miami-based OpenStore provide faster and more efficient service to its growing portfolio of e-commerce brands — and bring $2 million in payroll to the region in the next five years. Opening in March 2025, the project is expected to ultimately create 46 new jobs…
UMKC Entrepreneur of the Year: How Populous designed a legacy, built to go global
Kansas City-built design firm Populous brought to reality more than just great venues, Tom Bloch shared; it developed great experiences for a worldwide audience. “From its start here in Kansas City as HOK Sport in 1983 until now, Populous has set an unmatched standard for stadiums, convention centers, and event spaces,” Bloch told the crowd…
World Cup is sprinting closer; entrepreneurs should be preparing now, say regional biz leaders
Kansas City is kicking plans into high gear as the 2026 FIFA World Cup heads to the pitch — with local leaders eager to capitalize on the massive economic impact expected from the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. “The 2026 World Cup will be the largest event mankind has ever put on, and it’s going to be the…
Just funded: LaunchKC unveils 7 newest grant winners, topping $385K in startup capital
LaunchKC’s big reveal Tuesday was about more than checking a box — or getting hands on oversized checks — with grant competition winners taking the stage to introduce their companies to an eager community of supporters, entrepreneurs and investors. “This event is incredible,” said Donnie Hampton, co-founder of Roz, one of seven startups honored Tuesday…
Power & Light: $10M in Live! Block upgrades planned before downtown’s Big 12 ‘opening day’
The Kansas City Live! Block in the Power & Light District — a place KCMO Councilman Crispen Rea calls the living room of Kansas City — is set for a $10 million upgrade, local business and civic leaders announced Thursday. Key updates also target the popular District nightclub Mosaic. “It’s become an engine that generates…