News Stories

Jackie Nguyen, Cafe Cà Phê; Jill and Justin Bertelsen, Bertelsen Education and Crib Coaching; and Risa Stein, SeeInMe

UMKC’s pitch competition showcases ‘real people’ solving real problems with $88K up for grabs

Seven ventures remain in a popular regional business challenge that culminates this week with $88,000 in prizes on the line. Many of the competitors: no strangers to the pitch stage. Finalist presentations in the Regnier Venture Creation Challenge are planned for in-person Friday afternoon, followed by an awards ceremony at the UMKC Bloch Executive Hall….

Ludo's Shuffleboard Bar

Take a peek down Ludo’s lanes before Made in KC’s new shuffleboard bar opens in Midtown

When the team at Made in KC moved the local-first retailer’s flagship shop to Martini Corner in spring 2021, they immediately had a vision for what the multi-concept building could entertain, said Keith Bradley.  The vision: a retro shuffleboard bar.  “The idea for a shuffleboard bar sparked from two places. One was the desire we…

Kiffany Bosserman, owner of Cottontale and Cookies and Creamery, speaks with Shakia Webb, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, during the Chamber's Small Business Showcase at Union Station

Entrepreneurs pack Union Station as Chamber showcases diversity of KC’s small biz scene

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. A diverse cross-section of Kansas City small business owners filled the Grand Hall at Union Station with energy and enthusiasm Thursday, Vicky Kulikov said, noting a significant…

Imagine Downtown KC South Loop reimagination

KC’s own $160M ‘urban oasis’ park: Private funders greenlit to put a 5.5-acre lid over I-670

Private backers have put up critical funding needed to begin reimagining the South Loop Link — bringing the long-dreamed about project closer to reality than ever before.  Civic leaders from across the region gathered Friday to announce a verbal commitment from funders and local property owners — including Lowes’ Hotel & Co. — who will finance the engineering…

Clark Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

Horizon event set for in-person return, amplifying region’s growth while pushing for more equity

Kansas City is on the rise — and organizers of KC Rising’s annual Horizon event want curious citizens to come see such growth for themselves.  “Horizon is a diverse gathering that isn’t tied to a single organization but owned by the region. … It is a celebration of all of us,” said Meryl Dillman, program manager,…