Minority-Led Stories
PMI Rate Pro exits: KC fintech calls acquisition the ‘natural next step’ for its mortgage tech solution
MIAMI — A strategic acquisition between a software leader and a Kansas City fintech startup brings together two innovators in mortgage tech to deliver the industry’s most comprehensive platform, said Nomi Smith, co-founder of PMI Rate Pro. LoanPASS on Thursday announced its purchase of PMI Rate Pro, an Overland Park-based fintech specializing in API-driven private…
Meet LaunchKC’s new social venture cohort: Bold builders going beyond buzzwords (and Kansas City)
A reputation of strength within Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem helped convince Darian Jones — a St. Louis native now based in Austin, Texas — to apply for LaunchKC’s fourth Social Venture Studio cohort, he shared Wednesday during a reveal event for the program. Tribal Tech Innovations was one of seven social ventures announced by LaunchKC…
Push to change Troost’s racially-charged name stalls again, leaving vocal advocates disheartened
Chris Goode stood at the podium Tuesday in council chambers at City Hall, voicing a frustration with the city’s repeated inaction on his proposal to change the name of Troost Avenue — a Kansas City thoroughfare with a legacy rooted in slavery — to Truth Avenue. “I want to keep my head up high, but…
Developers unveil ‘The Parker’ at historic jazz site; the latest 18th & Vine reboot project
‘We will have an 18th and Vine where we don’t just tell stories, but where we make new ones,’ said Mayor Quinton Lucas. ‘And we will have an 18th and Vine that continues to be a crown jewel – not just of our Black community – but of our entire region.’ Respecting the hallowed ground…
Entrepreneur featured on Hallmark show finds identity beyond motherhood (with help from Connie Britton and her own KC Team Mom)
When Kansas City’s Rochelle Owens answered a message from Hallmark, she had no idea it would launch her into the national spotlight — or transform her life as a single mother and aspiring entrepreneur. Owens is the featured mom in Monday’s episode of The Motherhood, Hallmark’s new reality series created and hosted by actress Connie…
