Minority-Led Stories
New summer pitch competition builds on KCMO capital programs’ early success; applications open now
A new pitch competition is expected to give impactful small businesses and startups an opportunity to gain broader exposure and win cash prizes as the city’s KC BizCare Office expands capital programs supporting entrepreneurs in Kansas City, Missouri. In late July, five selected business leaders are set to pitch their ideas to about 50 judges,…
KC housing tech startup builds momentum, refines business model in Nashville accelerator
As Shapree’ Marshall prepares her final pitch for Twendé 2024’s demo day in June, the Kansas City founder and Pipeline Pathfinder already is seeing results from the six-month Nashville-based program. Her startup, A Traveled Path Homes, was among 56 companies led by founders of color that were named to the Twendé cohort in January. The…
NMotion accelerates Its 100th startup with plans to invest $3 million in 30 more through 2026
OMAHA — A Kansas City startup was among the six cohort members that pushed the NMotion Accelerator past its 100-company mark, showcasing its AI-infused storytelling platform this week alongside innovations from across the Midwest. NMotion powered by gener8tor on Tuesday celebrated the cohort — along with the impact from its $100,000 investments in each member —…
Jazz musician opens sell-out BBQ spot; here’s how he’s spicing up KC’s chorus of flavors
Even with more than 90 barbecue restaurants across the metro, Gerald Dunn still figured there was room for his flavor profile on the Kansas City food scene. But before opening Dunn Deal BBQ in Grandview, he made a pilgrimage of sorts, stopping in to see legendary Ollie Gates. He reveres the local barbecue pioneer and…
Thai Orchid opening in Northland: How this family business is getting out of its comfort zone with street food focus
A second location for a longtime Johnson County restaurant is expected to honor the origin story of the family business — building on its menu with a new emphasis on casual Thai street food items and small plates. Thai Orchid — a Mission, Kansas, restaurant that has been in the Rojjanasrirat family for 26 years…
