Minority-Led Stories

University launching effort for Native small biz, focused on ‘Indianpreneurship,’ resilience

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  LAWRENCE, Kansas — A Kansas university is looking forward to developing indigenous and minority entrepreneurs through a new program funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. Haskell Indian Nations University…

Vine Street Brewing drafts ‘Afrodisiac’ Ale: A tribute to love, Black culture

A cross-Kansas City collaboration crafted specifically for the month of February could become a staple at Vine Street Brewing if customers fall in love with the blend as much as its brewers hope. Kansas City’s first Black-owned brewery — in partnership with André’s Chocolates and The Black Pantry — unveiled ‘Afrodisiac’ last week, offering a…

Black leaders need to earn a ‘thriving wage’ before they can help others; an Evergy-backed cohort could help them ascend

A new program backed by entrepreneur support groups and Evergy aims to raise household income by at least 30 percent for participating Black professionals, nonprofit founders, and entrepreneurs, said Craig Moore II. “The ultimate goal is making sure you’re a leader who can do more than show up and talk about community — you have the…

KC artist featured in ad during SNL, named to global cohort of young social justice leaders

Being recognized for his work training local artists on the intersection of art and public policy, Logan Stacer said the honor from an global-facing nonprofit highlights Kansas City’s collective effort and passion for using art as a force for positive change. Stacer, an artist, youth pastor, educator and non-profit executive with Heartland Arts KC, this…

Crossroads collaboration brings booch on tap, kegs, mocktails to MO’s (new) biggest kombucha taproom

Brewer’s Alley in the East Crossroads is getting a new kind of taproom, Kortney Lee and Lisa Bledsoe shared. In a freshly bottled collaboration, Tea-Biotics Kombucha opened Missouri’s largest kombucha taproom Friday in the former home of Community Groceries Crossroads Market. “Beer is brewed; Kombucha is brewed, as well,” said Lee, who owns Community Groceries…