Black Pantry coming to Midtown: Boutique for Black-owned essentials opening storefront in shared space with Made in KC
When an opportunity pops up, make it permanent, said Brian Roberts, teasing the opening next month of The Black Pantry’s first brick-and-mortar storefront. The 650-square-foot space on the revitalized Martini Corner in Midtown is expected to ope... Read more
No glass ceiling over the glamp site: Women-led, Black-owned business opens luxury camping season
Kansas Citians no longer need to sacrifice a comfortable bed and running water to spend a night out in nature, said Tiffany Watts and Heather Shelton. Through glamping with Suite Tea, one can have the best of both worlds, the co-founders said. ... Read more
Calling all developers, designers and entrepreneurs: KC Digital Drive launching AR/VR challenge March 30
KC Digital Drive is giving all those interested in the field of augmented reality or virtual reality a new opportunity to solve real world problems through innovative solutions, explained Aaron Deacon. “[KC Digital Drive’s Augmented Reality and... Read more
Paperboy to tech founder: How Jake Seaton returned to Kansas to help save the family business (and local news)
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
Meal donation app comes to KC: How the phone-eats-first foodie photo trend can help fight hunger
People are already taking photos of their food — why not donate to food banks at the same time, Andrew Glantz proposed. “GiftAMeal is a free mobile app; each time someone takes a photo of their order from one of our partner restaurants, we make... Read more
Beyond brownies: Chef turns to creativity-infused edibles; bake shop’s high blunted by social media blackout
When James Ryan’s mother holds a piece of paper, it trembles lightly in her hands. “Helping her is what got me going,” Ryan said, opening up about the experience of his mother, Linda San Juan, with a mild neurological condition, and ways it pus... Read more
Not all entrepreneurs wear capes: Chamber’s ‘Superstars’ campaign unmasks heroes of KC business scene
A critical need is driving changes to one of Kansas City’s longest-running annual business events: support for every small business — no matter their scale or the neighborhoods in which they belong. “This is a time like no other,” explained Vi... Read more
Building to billions: Inside KC’s premier esports team’s vision to reboot entertainment, game the future
All eyes were on the Kansas City Pioneers this weekend, as the esports gamers logged more than 500,000 viewers across various streaming platforms during a series of matches against some of the biggest competitors in the world. “In just one match... Read more
Can a KC tech duo travel the world without leaving a trace? Follow their journey on YouTube
What started as a duo’s journey for purposeful adventure quickly turned into a mission to educate and advocate for sustainable travel, Dimarco Barea and Scott Hanson shared. “In 2020, Scott [Hanson] and I were both in this really interesting spa... Read more
One beat closer to becoming ‘Urban Disney’: Healthy Hip Hop wins $500K bid from Dallas school district
More than 70,000 Texas students soon will be singing and dancing along to Healthy Hip Hop’s children’s music platform after the Kansas City startup finalized a $500,000 contract in the Lone Star State, said Roy Scott. “It’s a huge deal for us,”... Read more