New nonprofit surprises first-ever $20K ‘changemaker’ grant winner; he already knows how he’ll invest it
Pastor Adrian Roberson was initially too stunned to speak Thursday when he was awarded a $20,000 grant for KC United — a youth sports initiative he co-founded in 2009 with his wife Vicky. But the duo already have plans for the money: spreading b... Read more
KC software team of three builds $3.5M insurance risk management app from scratch
A New York-based insurance management startup recently closed a $3.5 million funding round for its new end-to-end platform — an application built entirely by Kansas City software developer Binary Noggin. billy, a construction-specific insurance... Read more
A service you never knew you needed: Buying chickens from a vending machine at the Mayor’s Christmas Tree
As children gave life to the ice terrace above Friday, volunteers and shoppers were giving light to local and global charities at a newly placed installation of vending machines — stocked with donation opportunities, not snacks — at Crown Center... Read more
Crossroads neighbors’ limited-release holiday brew bottled after three years in the barrel
When 400 bottles of Lifted Spirits’ Straight Wheat Whiskey — created using a coffee wheat stout from its Crossroads neighbor Torn Label — went on sale to the public Wednesday, the distillery-brewery mashup’s potential was finally tapped, said Mi... Read more
Teen STEM lab championed by Travis Kelce goes zero-carbon solar with boost from KC corporate leaders
A solar installation at Operation Breakthrough’s new Ignition Lab on Troost Avenue is expected to power the STEM space for students — made possible by a team of Kansas City corporate leaders committed to clean energy and support for the Travis K... Read more
For the good of the hive: KC pediatrician builds buzz with award-winning urban bee farm effort
No one is more surprised by pediatrician Marion Pierson’s newfound career success as a beekeeper and advocate for urban apiaries, the Prairie Village doctor said. “I didn’t know this would happen,” Pierson said. “In fact, I’m scared of bugs. My... Read more
He wanted a dress shoe as comfortable as bare feet; How Joey Ahearn is reimagining wingtips to boots one step at a time
A newly unboxed, Kansas City-laced premium shoe company offers a single promise: to make often-uncomfortable men’s dress shoes healthy to wear — without stomping out fashion. “I grew up wearing Converse and Vans and socks and lacing really tigh... Read more
Former Google, Uber exec joins maker of Pokémon Go — and he’s building a team of developers in Lawrence
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. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, w... Read more
Survey: 97 percent of KC businesses expect same or better performance in 2022
Business executives in the Kansas City metro expressed optimism about what lies ahead in 2022 — despite lingering pandemic-related challenges, according to newly released local and regional survey results from First Business Bank. “There are alw... Read more
A test of Fit Truk’s core strength: People assume it’s a franchise, mobile gym owner says
One of Hailee Bland Walsh’s biggest affirmations came in the form of a question: Is Fit Truk a franchise? “As someone who has built businesses from the ground up, that is very validating and a huge compliment,” said Bland Walsh, co-founder of t... Read more