Ford opens door to July 29 pitch competition, $50K in prizes for women entrepreneurs
The Ford Motor Company Fund is bringing a new pitch competition — and $50,000 in prizes — to Kansas City this summer as part of its effort to boost women social entrepreneurs. Announced during the final moments of last week’s HI-HERImpact virtua... Read more
Sneak peek: Foxtrot Studio rebrands, reopening in KCK with more space and a caffeinated twist
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting in-person retailers across the globe, Jordan Fox found himself compelled to take a step back and return to the roots of his passion — creating quality products by hand, he shared. “Foxtrot has always been ve... Read more
KC’s premier queer sports league nearly doubles in enrollment; focuses on uniting diverse LGBTQ+ community
Athletics has not always been a space where Jared Horman felt comfortable, he shared; but through Stonewall Sports, he discovered a way to genuinely enjoy games while connecting with other queer individuals and allies. “We get to kind of reclaim... Read more
First foot forward: LA dreamer returns to KC to launch shoe brand with one-of-a-kind pop-up
Sky Jackson walked through Motion House Studios in the West Bottoms wearing a shirt and pants he had sewn together himself, as well as a pair of Scoops — Jackson’s premier footwear line inspired by the light-heartedness and joy of ice cream. “... Read more
How Shop Local KC’s new Main Street storefront crafts opportunity for makers, Midtown
Main Street isn’t just a bridge connecting the Country Club Plaza to downtown Kansas City, Katie Mabry van Dieren said, detailing how she hopes her new retail gift and flower shop in Midtown will shatter stereotypes — along with showcasing maker... Read more
C2FO donates all marketplace revenue it earned Friday to three KC nonprofits for Juneteenth
Editor’s note: C2FO is a financial supporter of Startland News; and Kansas City G.I.F.T. is a non-financial partner of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ non-profit news... Read more
Right fit, refined: Carlanda McKinney’s third venture in apparel measures up to its digital design
Online shopping is a staple for Carlanda McKinney, she noted, but the inaccuracy and variety of size guides leave both shoppers and retailers with major pain points. “On the shopper side, it is frustrating to order multiple sizes and not have a... Read more
$500K investment round feeds GiftAMeal’s hunger for expansion deeper into KC market
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
OpenCities sells: Denver govtech company acquires Australian startup with Kansas City HQ
An Australia-based govtech startup with a sizable Kansas City operation has sold. OpenCities — a hub-like platform that digitizes city forms and requests — was acquired by Denver-based Granicus, the companies announced Thursday, solidifying a d... Read more
A never-give-up attitude and an appreciation for every opportunity that comes their way continues to fuel the founding duo behind Kansas City-built The Market Base. “We’re just glad to be recognized for our relentless pursuit,” Milad Ghasempour... Read more