Olathe biotech startup represents Kansas in MassChallenge’s 50th accelerator program
More than 3,000 startups across the world applied to the 2021 MassChallenge accelerator program with Olathe-based biotechnology lab Ronawk earning one of the 229 slots to participate, shared A.J. Mellott. “[MassChallenge] has a really good reput... Read more
She earned 21K followers with a plastic circle; now Angela Presnell hoops to transfer social media popularity to a paid platform
An Instagram page launched in 2016 to document then-college freshman Angela Presnell’s progression in hooping today reaches more than 21,000 followers — and sends the active entrepreneur across the globe to teach her artform in person. “I needed... Read more
‘Feelings matter’: Why KC culture experts’ new anxiety rating could prevent stress from ruining careers
Editor’s note: The following story — a spotlight on a member of the Plexpod community — is sponsored by Plexpod, a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all s... Read more
One of KC’s top small businesses markets explosive growth into new key investor: former Mobank CEO
On the heels of Crux KC doubling its square footage in January and growing its headcount 118 percent since June 2020, the marketing firm — one of the KC Chamber’s Top 10 Small Businesses — announced a significant investment this week by Grant Bu... Read more
How restaurant fatigue, staffing shortages pushed one KC chef to reinvent ‘to-go’ as high-end eats at home
An ongoing health crisis forced many people to rethink aspects of their lives in 2020, said Bryan Sparks, but for members of the hospitality industry specifically, the sustained pressure of a lingering pandemic and its leftovers prompt even grea... Read more
How a KC mom and her 12-year-old co-founder are rewriting the book on entrepreneurship
Guiding young people through the ins and outs of entrepreneurship is a family affair for Tovah Tanner, a metro woman on a mission to create a Kansas City that thinks critically, holds values, and possesses life skills that build lasting wealth. ... Read more
KC grassroots effort taps $225K funding pipeline to expand DEI education for KC students, corporate training
A year after Black Lives Matter demonstrations opened minds across the nation, Jamie Grayson sees progress in Kansas City, the home of his own movement, designed to disrupt division by celebrating commonalities. Newly announced this week: three... Read more
Explain it like I’m 5: Bellwethr hits best month of growth to date after simplifying lingo
Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Academy Bank, a Kansas City based community bank, and is part of a series of features spotlighting some of the bank’s startup and small business partners. The golden key to success is comm... Read more
‘Give Black’ campaign hits nearly $100K in donations for Black-run businesses, orgs
Editor’s note: Give Black and Kansas City GIFT are non-financial partners of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ non-profit newsroom. A campaign to boost eigh... Read more
Why Blue Springs, KC are so hungry for Whataburger: You have the brand; We have the people
When Whataburger arrives later this year in Kansas City, the popular Texas-based restaurant chain is expected to bring more than its spicy ketchup and an iconic burger that takes two hands to hold. Company and city officials on Thursday emphasiz... Read more