Latest Stories
Populous execs behind World Cup venues, Royals ballpark earn EY Entrepreneur of the Year award
Two leaders from a renowned Kansas City-based, global sports architecture firm are being lauded for their innovation, growth and an entrepreneurial vision that’s creating lasting impact within their industry and community.
Library’s small biz pitch competition returning with Kauffman backing, cash prizes
The pitch event is now accepting applications for another “Shark Tank-style” gathering. Founder Zoe Mays said the previous competition’s $5,000 grand prize was a game changer for Scream Queens, her vegan ice cream business.
‘Bubbles and Goo’ adds inclusive play to one of KC’s busiest districts
A newly mixed River Market business opens the doors to a bubbly (and delightfully slimy) space where children of all abilities can play, explore, and make a joyful mess together, said Antoinette Redmond, offering families a gathering space during the FIFA World Cup in Kansas City.
Kansas City’s Black-owned businesses court World Cup visitors with a new shopping guide
The hope is that the World Cup, predicted to bring in more prospective shoppers than Kansas City has ever seen at once, jumpstarts long-term growth.
Westport mural honors Kansas City drag artists dating back to the 1870s
“Drag is one of the most living art forms today. Folks talk about preserving ballet and opera, painting, and sculpture, which are rooted in a lot of tradition,” said Jared Horman. “Drag has the power to have commentary in a quick, meaningful, and artistic way, and that feels very 2026.”
‘Come out, Kansas City’: Cafe owner calls on KC to fill World Cup tourism gap as small businesses outside FIFA footprint struggle
Construction on Southwest Boulevard slowed traffic to nearby storefronts and restaurants for more than a year, said Cait Benedict, with many small business owners holding out hope that if they could just make it to the FIFA World Cup, they could survive.
Entrepreneur tackling healthcare’s everyday inconveniences wins top pitch night prize
Tuesday’s evening pitch event showcased founders working across healthcare, consumer products, community development and other sectors, while underscoring the relationships built throughout the program.
‘You never know who’s watching’: Marketplace prize winner refused to quit; now she’s one of KC’s star founders
Stage after stage, LaToya Ebony Sirls delivers her company pitch. She tweaks the delivery, adjusts certain words and details to address past judges’ questions, but her overall confidence in herself and the product never outwardly wavers, she said.
None of us are weeds: Kansas City chef reconnects to nature through food, Midwest identity
Aqui Greadington wants people to look at the weeds in their yard a little differently. To him, overlooked plants are an opportunity for fine dining, a way to reconnect with family history, and a bridge to nature.
UMKC student-staff duo hopes to scale hydroponic lettuce from ‘six-by-six footprint’ to food insecurity solution
A $730,000 multi-university initiative is helping researchers rethink how food is produced and delivered to improve access to fresh produce across region.
