Latest Stories
AI uniform designer generates custom jerseys in minutes; its real mission: create clothing that doesn’t destroy people
Some companies use artificial intelligence to move faster, said MJ Mitchell. His Kansas City-based apparel business sees another opportunity: helping teams sport better work — while paying life-lifting wages that fight exploitative sweatshop conditions and restore dignity in textile manufacturing.
American dream at 250: Why these immigrant entrepreneurs say the payoff is a country where everyone fits on the front porch
Any journey into the world of business can be as lonely as it is grueling, said Isaac Tapia and Rico Alvarez, and that’s before building in the complexities of navigating those challenges as an immigrant entrepreneur. The muralist duo feels blessed for the camaraderie they share. “With everything that’s happening right now at this very…
Techstars returning to KC region with new Jayhawk cohort, rebooted Startup Weekend on the way
A major investment in the future of entrepreneurship has just been made, University of Kansas officials said Monday, announcing a three-year partnership that will formally bring Techstars programming back to the Kansas City region.
‘Ghana is KC’s home team in World Cup’: How the West African soccer powerhouse matches Kansas City’s story
When Ghana punched its ticket to a World Cup match against Colombia Friday in Kansas City, Nia Webster already knew who she’d be cheering for. The West African country has become a second home to Webster, who first began making trips to Ghana as a child.
Privacy-first startup reimagines how cities, enterprises access real-world intelligence
As AI moves beyond screens and into streets, buildings, and logistics networks, Surge meets real-world demands by providing data delivered continuously and in real time to build an infrastructure layer that smart cities and autonomous systems actually need to function, its founders said.
Startup World Cup opens bracket (and $1M prize) to KC startups; regional tournament this fall at CPKC Stadium
Ten Kansas City finalists are expected to compete this September for a spot in the world’s largest startup conference and pitch competition — pitting Heartland innovation against founders from more than 100 regions around the globe.
Sports entertainment veteran homers with interactive gaming sports bar, baseball outing indoors
Serial entrepreneur Lance Windholz — who spiked a career in tech to build community around beach volleyball in Shawnee — is batting again; this time, taking a swing at sports entertainment and the resurgent popularity of baseball.
They closed their restaurant for weeks to prep for World Cup; six months later, that pause is paying off (at least on big game days)
One Crossroads favorite is capturing some of the bursts of travelers city officials and local FIFA World Cup organizers told businesses would come this summer. A freshly painted mural along the KC Streetcar line helped drive traffic, but success isn’t as simple as just hanging a soccer-themed welcome sign.
Founders urge confidence, not Midwest nice: Stop apologizing for thinking bigger, builders say
Kansas City should be a hotbed for talent and startups, said Usman Wajid, lamenting a trend where entrepreneurs allow themselves to be penned in by a mentality that they’re overlooked locally and need to relocate to raise capital. Sometimes the catalyst for funding is confidence, the Block & Mortar AI founder told a crowd gathered…
Missouri notched big wins for entrepreneurs in 2026, but work remains, advocates report
Missouri is finally seeing renewed and sustained political momentum around entrepreneurship, Jason Wiens told town hall attendees gathered for an update on the Show-Me State’s recent wins around entrepreneur support.
