Minority-Led Stories

Emerging biz of the year put its own twist on Kansas City sweets; now it’s scaling up

Breaking away from the Yogurtini brand as a franchisee — and branching out on his own — took a leap of faith for Isaac Lee Collins, the owner of Fifth & Emery Frozen Yogurt and Chocolate said.

Mr K winner sipped deeply with community; now it’s savoring Small Business of the Year accolades 

Built at the crossroads of coffee and cultural placemaking, the KC Chamber’s just-announced Small Business of the Year has brewed more than a thriving family business — it’s a story steeped in creating space for the region’s Latin and Indigenous communities alongside incoming FIFA World Cup visitors.

Out-of-the-box business: How Ling Vong’s food truck got more than she bargained for with Labubus

Ling Vong’s decision to sell Labubus alongside her Vietnamese street food wasn’t random, the owner of Dragon Wagon KC and KC Monsters shared. It was a strategy rooted in serving culture, creating experiences, and building community, she said.

Good data can light the path: Kauffman celebrates impact of 30 years of entrepreneur research

Necessity is driving a burst of entrepreneurial activity — especially among immigrant, Latino and Black communities, according to new data released this week by the Kauffman Foundation, reflecting mixed news for the state of American entrepreneurship as the influential Kansas City nonprofit celebrated 30 years of research.

Visitors will never guess what KC has in store for World Cup: Inside Open Doors! new shops

Bubble and slime play. Vegan Mexican cuisine. A jazz listening room. The variety and depth of Kansas City’s wide-ranging small business community will pop when visitors near and far arrive for the FIFA World Cup, said Nia Webster, calling out a compelling list of entrepreneurs selected for the city’s Open Doors! program.