Listen: KC immigrant entrepreneurs share their stories

February 23, 2017  |  Meghan LeVota

ixkc-feb-8-of-9

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!

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

Did you enjoy this post? Show your support by becoming a member or buying us a coffee.

2017 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    KC GIFT launches ‘Vibe the City’ passport to showcase Black-owned arts, entertainment venues

    By Tommy Felts | September 18, 2025

    A newly published mini-guide to Black-owned arts and entertainment venues across Kansas City is expected to push community members deeper into the metro’s rich Black business ecosystem, said Brandon Calloway, highlighting a range of cultural and nightlife destinations.   “Vibe the City” passports are available now at the G.I.F.T. Business Center at 5008 Prospect Ave.,…

    Trially secures $4.7M seed round, launches ‘Margo’ AI solution to clear patient bottleneck

    By Tommy Felts | September 16, 2025

    A Kansas City startup’s AI-first platform is expected to save time — and patient lives — thanks to a successful seed round for its clinical trial recruitment tech, explained Kyle McAllister, noting his startup’s solution could help speed up access to treatment by years. Trially, one of Startland News’ 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch in…

    She scored music on Netflix and LA’s star-studded stages; now BodaciousThang is getting vulnerable in KC

    By Tommy Felts | September 16, 2025

    When Cheyenne Jolene steps on stage in the shoes of her alter ego, the singer-songwriter’s voice carries both raw emotion and unapologetic truth. Performing as BodaciousThang, Jolene blends R&B, hip hop, rock, and soul into what she describes as “genre bending” music. Her songs are steeped in authenticity and storytelling, offering listeners intimate glimpses into…

    SNAP cuts are ‘worse than they look on paper’: Food access advocates warn shelves could go bare overnight

    By Tommy Felts | September 16, 2025

    Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant doesn’t mince words about perceptions of the hungry Kansas Citians she serves daily through her award-winning culinary social venture. “These are the people who — if you listen to the rhetoric — are deemed ‘lazy,’” the founder of The Prospect KC’s NourishKC Community Kitchen told Startland News. “We know the narratives being…