Woman-led Stories

Complex risks bring community kudos for creative entrepreneur honored by KC Chamber

Keisha Jordan didn’t know what saying “yes” to a job in Kansas City would unlock when she first relocated in 2020, she said, reflecting on a full-circle moment Tuesday after winning a top arts honor from the KC Chamber during its celebration of small business and entrepreneurs. “I trusted God, trusted the universe, and it’s…

Founder’s resolve earns KC mental health practice ‘Small Business of the Year’ title

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. Kansas City’s newest Small Business of the Year is on a years-long journey to create safe, inclusive spaces for its clients and team, the resilient entrepreneur behind…

Dozer debut: Indoor sandbox concept revives zero-screens play for JoCo children

A giant sandbox playroom in Johnson County evokes a simpler era, said Justin Finn, whose immersive entertainment concept for children opens Tuesday in Leawood. “No screens,” explained Finn. “I like to say it’s how we grew up as kids. Imagination, the wheels turning.” Dozer — launched this week as the first of multiple locations alongside co-founder…

GEWKC submissions open: Organizers seek community-sourced ideas for fall event series

One of Kansas City’s largest interactive educational experiences for entrepreneurs is inviting community members to drive the conversation when Global Entrepreneurship Week returns in November. Festivities are set for Nov. 17-22 at Union Station in Kansas City. The GEWKC event series’ programming is crowd-sourced through submissions from community members and organized by KCSourceLink. Selected concepts…

Topeka’s new community-built innovation incubator turns soil; leaders eager to show the world what grows

TOPEKA — It’s not just about breaking new ground in the state’s capital, said Neal Spencer; the Link Innovation Labs project’s global reach serves as “a foundation for growth, impact, and the future of our great city.” “It’ll be a hub for ideas, connection and opportunity — a place where startups launch, collaborators spark, and…