Listen: Leaders analyze KC’s entrepreneurial milestones, assess challenges
June 22, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
To say that Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community has matured in the last 15 years would be an understatement.
Many leaders say that if you lived in the metro during the early 2000s and were to return now, you may not even recognize the place.
Taking a moment to reflect on how far Kansas City has come, Startland News and Think Big’s June Innovation Exchange used a historical lens to analyze Kansas City entrepreneurship.
Panelists shared their analysis on the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — including growth, future opportunities and areas to be improved.
In the conversation, you’ll hear from entrepreneurial community leaders including:
- Joe Reardon, CEO of Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
- Toby Rush, CEO of EyeVerify
- Darcy Howe, Managing Director of the KCRise Fund
- Joni Cobb, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship
- Herb Sih, Think Big Partners
- Maria Meyers, Executive Director of KCSourceLink
A recording of the event is below, and photos are beneath that. Hope you enjoy!
Featured Business

2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
This duo plans to takedown one of female wrestlers’ most ‘mortifying’ foes: the wrong kind of exposure
Two women-owned Kansas businesses are teaming up to ensure that female wrestlers don’t get pinned by a wardrobe malfunction mid-match, shared Deb North and Frankie Elder-Reedy. It’s a pairing that shows for these sole sisters, entrepreneurship is more than an individual sport. Topeka-based Yes! Athletics is going to the mat with the Apex high-impact sports…
Entrepreneur featured on Hallmark show finds identity beyond motherhood (with help from Connie Britton and her own KC Team Mom)
When Kansas City’s Rochelle Owens answered a message from Hallmark, she had no idea it would launch her into the national spotlight — or transform her life as a single mother and aspiring entrepreneur. Owens is the featured mom in Monday’s episode of The Motherhood, Hallmark’s new reality series created and hosted by actress Connie…
Four role models selected for Hall of Fame as Junior Achievement celebrates 25 years of business honors
A fresh round of Hall of Fame laureates celebrates Kansas City’s living legacy of visionary leaders who drive business excellence, innovation and community impact, said Megan Sturges, announcing a range of honorees from tech to tender chicken. “The JA Business Hall of Fame celebrates more than business success — it honors the spirit of leadership…
