Listen: KC immigrant entrepreneurs share their stories
February 23, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
In light of recent news, Startland News focused this month’s Innovation Exchange on the intersection of immigration and entrepreneurship.
U.S. immigration policy has a profound impact not only on society but also the nation’s entrepreneurial vibrancy, which prompted a discussion including a researcher and policy expert, a local immigration attorney and pair of immigrant entrepreneurs.
If you weren’t able to make it to the event, we’ve clipped together the important parts you missed. In the conversation we hear personal stories from Kansas City immigrant entrepreneurs about how they arrived in the United States, explore how the H-1B Visa works and jump into the impact that immigrant entrepreneurs have on the nation’s economy.
Hope you enjoy!
Featured Business

2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Start from the top: How these newsmakers forged companies to watch (Event Photos)
Maybe it was an open opportunity in a market that couldn’t be ignored. Perhaps a calling to do something bigger than themselves. Or, for some, just a transparent bid to find profit in a world of problems waiting to be solved. Each of Startland News’ 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch launched with a motivation…
WeCode KC, CAPA selected for free services from this Top 10 KC small business winner
A company lauded among Kansas City’s top small businesses for three consecutive years this week announced the nonprofit recipients of $100,000 in pro-bono marketing services through a first-time expansion of its annual Crux for a Cause initiative. WeCode KC and Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) will each receive marketing investments of $50,000 for 2024, said…
KC startup on a mission to show women’s health is more than a niche; a nationwide advocate could help
A women-led Kansas City health startup is among 10 companies chosen for a new innovation cohort from Springboard Enterprises, which made a name for itself locally in recent years through its popular Dolphin Tank pitch showcases. Marma was selected for the Springboard program — a comprehensive entrepreneurial bootcamp and an expansive workshop series — because the…
Her fund targets investments for women of color; why this VC is fighting a lawsuit that would curb equity-focused funding
The fight for equity — especially among Black and brown entrepreneurs — isn’t easily won, said Ayana Parsons, likening the setback-laden struggle to a boxing match that seemingly never ends. “There are many rounds,” Parsons recently told a Kansas City crowd gathered at Burns & McDonnell’s campus for an event to honor diverse legacies. Parsons’…
