Minority-Led Stories
Winning element: KU-linked startup mines critical spot-cash support at Pure Pitch Rally
Bri Farris was a little surprised at the backing — and stack of novelty checks — given to Electravera at Monday’s Pure Pitch Rally, she said, even though her startup’s innovative electrochemical process to recover high-purity lithium and cobalt derivatives tracks well with the region’s momentum around critical materials.
Iconic entrepreneur’s spirit pours into ‘Sarah’s Blend’ amid KC fundraiser for Black Movie Hall of Fame
Every cup needs filled, said coffee co-founder Reggie Harris, noting sometimes the richest flavors come from unexpected sources. His latest blend draws inspiration from a community in search of its own roast and the legacy of an entrepreneur who refused to let her own pot go cold.
How a $10K Folklore grant bloomed at just the right moment for this struggling small business
After her Bloom With Love flower shop flooded in summer 2025, an unexpected grant win from the Folklore initiative served as a sign from the universe to keep going, Olivia Esquivel shared. Her store is now flowering along the KC Streetcar line with new opportunities.
Tire Pig inflates ZOHR founders’ mobile tire service concept with new AI engine, ‘effortless’ installation
Under the hood, ZOHR’s reboot as Tire Pig is using AI to make buying tires simple and intuitive, Komal Choong said. On the surface, the company is building a brand that’s fun, positive, and different from anything else in the aftermarket auto sector.
KC artisan apparel brand scores official Chiefs collaboration, stitching charro heritage to Arrowhead
“We make them with small families in Mexico in their houses, in their kitchens. It’s about the story,” said Jonathan Garvey. “It’s not just another garment because we’re putting our heart and soul into it.”