Woman-led Stories
Kansas’ bracket-style pitch competition just revealed 32 startups vying for its $25K prize
An innovation-led startup tournament taking Kansas by storm is just built different, said Conor Adler, announcing the nearly three-dozen contenders featured in this spring’s competition. “One of the most inspiring facets of Gamechangers and Champions is seeing founders from rural Kansas standing alongside entrepreneurs from our largest cities,” said Adler, investment manager for Wichita-based NXTUS,…
Determined optimism: How small and mid-sized businesses are growing in 2026
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Kimberly Burris is a business banking senior relationship manager for Bank of America Kansas City. The 2025 Business Owner Report confirmed what we see every day from entrepreneurs across our communities: cautious yet determined optimism. Nearly three in four business owners expect revenue…
Her family helped bring Argentine comfort food to KC’s masses; World Cup base camp kicks open new doors
As Kansas City prepares to become the FIFA World Cup base camp for four national teams — amid an expected influx of hundreds of thousands of fans from across the globe — Dulcinea Herrera is still reeling from news that Argentina’s roster will be among those calling the region home this summer. “We’re so excited. When…
Nonprofit launching retail incubator for Asian-owned businesses; next up: a cultural district in Columbus Park
A new retail incubator in a former Columbus Park tattoo shop is expected to push forward the nonprofit mission of Hella Good Deeds — amplifying the Asian community in Kansas City — while boosting sales for Asian-owned, product-based businesses, said Béty Lê Shackelford. The vision for “Jade Market”: take over the recently-vacated Tiger Alley Tattoo…
Pipeline reveals new founder-first cohort: Meet the entrepreneurs fueling a Midwest innovation surge
With more than a dozen new members joining its fellowship, the Pipeline Entrepreneurs network is growing not only its ranks, Melissa Vincent said; the elite founder-focused program is working to ensure the best of Midwest innovation stays in the region. “We have assembled a powerful group of founders, ranging from deep-tech and life sciences in…
