Minority-Led Stories
Innovative leader wins Kauffman’s $75K prize: KC is stronger when it rallies together, school founder says
Accepting the first-ever Kauffman Uncommon Leader Visionary Award, Tysie McDowell pointed to the team who helped her build Crossroads Charter Schools — and challenged those gathered in celebration of her Thursday to create legacies of their own.
Sports are KC’s biggest new export, leaders say; make them synonymous with city’s brand
Kansas City’s sports ties should be as obvious and celebrated as Nashville’s musical identity, said Neal Sharma, describing the region’s potential to redefine itself based on recent headline-grabbing wins.
Daiquiri District chills fresh-squeezed spot for hot chicken, cold drinks near Martini Corner
James Thomas spent years taking his mobile daiquiri shop to wherever the party popped up — hauling rented machines and setting up a mobile operation that gave customers around Kansas City, Lawrence, and Topeka a place to grab one of his frozen drinks. Now he’s letting thirsty customers come to him.
300 pitches later, GIFT founder offers a cheat sheet for selling your vision (hint: it starts with the pitch deck)
“What does your business do? Tell me directly, clearly, and avoid unnecessary fluff,” writes Brandon Calloway in an open letter to entrepreneurs. “As someone making a snap judgment about your business, I need to quickly understand what it offers.”
Popular family chain opening elevated Mexican concept in Oak Park Mall’s former Five Guys, American Girl spots
Añejo Modern Mexican already had two area restaurants when it expanded with a downtown location this summer. Now it’s reopening in Johnson County in early 2027 thanks to an opportunity at one of the metro’s most iconic retail centers.