Tag: Porter House KC

Ditch the highlight reel and gatekeepers: Founders share blueprint to building value, together

By Tommy Felts / January 13, 2026

Entrepreneurship is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating, said Mark Launiu, opening a three-day summit rich in practical wisdom and firsthand storytelling from founders who’ve created businesses — and struggled through the times that suck — in Kansas City. “This is about building something that lasts and building it with people who understand…

Kauffman earmarks $32M in grants to boost entrepreneurship, workforce, education efforts

By Tommy Felts / May 9, 2025

Just-announced Kauffman Foundation funding for a cohort of 27 organizations — each focused on advancing economic mobility in Kansas City — reflects the grantees’ “relentless commitment to innovation and equity,” said Allison Greenwood Bajracharya. “Rather than being defined by the challenges our communities face, they’re defining what’s possible — building on the brilliance and resilience…

Pitch winners step into spotlight as PHKC helps emerging small biz owners shine on stage (Photos) 

By Tommy Felts / March 7, 2025

Jacquinta Nelson stood before a packed crowd at The Porter House KC’s Pitch Night this week, sharing her vision for S.T.E.P. Movement, a community-based step team designed to uplift young girls. Moments later, she was awarded a $4,000 grand prize. The recognition was deeply personal for Nelson, who is dedicated to mentoring youth to be…

Wallpapered with flyness: She’s adding urban culture to home decor; why this founder is still searching for her tribe in KC

By Tommy Felts / August 30, 2024

Chicago transplant Keisha Jordan is bringing urban opulence to Kansas City through Complex Flavors Home + Life — just in time for the Kansas City cultural renaissance, she said.  Complex Flavors is a home decor brand, offering wallpaper lines that celebrate “city girl” energies, Jordan said, noting urban opulence is the fuel that sits at…

$250K node grant expected to fund AI upgrade at KCSourceLink, part-time navigators for PHKC, Square One, The Toolbox

By Tommy Felts / August 29, 2024

A hefty new grant is expected to build upon a community collaboration’s framework to help small businesses start and grow over the next five to 10 years in the Kansas City area. The goal: better access to diverse resources for local entrepreneurs. The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) earlier this month announced a $250,000 regional node…

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