Minority-Led Stories

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…

This founder’s own pain point became too painful; Why he’s back to embracing the loss that sparked his startup

When healthtech founder Chris Jones pivoted away from the painful memory of losing his son — a catalyst for launching his medical records startup — he shelved a vital piece of the “why” behind both his company and his passion, Jones said. “I never understood what my power was — not just the technology —…

Fashion Arts Fund names new leader as shift toward new vision comes into focus 

A Kansas City nonprofit dedicated to making impact on the city’s fashion scene announced its new executive director Wednesday — stitching a dyed-in-the-wool KC fashion designer into the organization’s new look. Elon Kebede — founder, designer, and creative director for Kansas City, Kansas-based ELU by Elon — is expected to lead the Fashion Arts Fund,…

Pitch event matches queer singles with dates, but there’s a catch: It’s a bestie behind the mic

Singles within Kansas City’s queer community are about to experience a fresh take on matchmaking, said Tiffany Watts, detailing plans for a pitch event this week where lonely hearts could find connections with help from people who already see them best: their friends. The interactive Where to Find Us event is set for Thursday, Nov….

GEWKC adds full day of Spanish programming to serve growing community of entrepreneurs

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. Para leer una versión de esta historia en español, haga clic aquí. When Ana…