AlphaGraphics expansion boasts $1.4M investment, plans to create 16 new KC jobs

October 21, 2025  |  Startland News Staff

AlphaGraphics at 518 E. 16th St. in Kansas City's East Crossroads; photo courtesy of EDCKC

A production crew known for eye-catching, colorful designs splashed across Kansas City — including its own East Crossroads headquarters — is expanding its physical and human footprint, marking a key investment in the metro’s growing creative and professional services sector, local leaders said. 

AlphaGraphics on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $1.4 million and the creation of 16 new jobs to accelerate its professional design, printing, and marketing service — as well as reinforce Kansas City’s position as a hub for creative and professional innovation.

The move adds new space to AlphaGraphics’s existing facility at 518 E. 16th St. to accommodate advanced production equipment and additional staff, increasing both capacity and operational efficiency, said Haley Haar, owner of AlphaGraphics (a franchisee of AlphaGraphics International) since 2009. 

Haley Haar, AlphaGraphics

“We have been members of the Crossroads community for 11 years and are thrilled to officially be property owners in the district,” she continued. “Downtown KC is a unique and thriving area, and we are looking forward to continued growth for years to come.” 

AlphaGraphics’ success signals strong momentum in Kansas City’s broader economic development efforts, said Kyana Bowers, business development officer at the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC).

Her office noted the expansion project takes advantage of the Missouri Works program — a state incentive tool that helps businesses access capital through withholdings or tax credits to embark on facility expansions and create jobs.

“By investing in local infrastructure, creating high-quality jobs, and expanding production capabilities, the company is contributing to the city’s long-term economic resilience and growth,” Bowers continued.

The expansion also reflects the business’ willingness to invest in the neighborhood, noted Crispin Rea, council member for Kansas City, Missouri’s 4th District At-Large.

“It’s exciting to see a women-owned business growing right here in the Crossroads — creating new jobs, supporting other local businesses, and contributing to the vibrancy that makes Kansas City such a great place to live and work,” he said.

AlphaGraphics specializes in helping local companies solve marketing and communications challenges through innovative print and digital solutions, with high-profile examples of its work stretching from branding and wayfinding at CPKC Stadium and the Power & Light District to Crossroads neighbors and projects tied to special events like the NFL Draft.

startland-tip-jar

TIP JAR

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

2025 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Darcy Howe, American angel

    High-growth additions: PayIt, Main Street Data earn slots in $19M KCRise Fund portfolio

    By Tommy Felts | July 10, 2018

    Investing in Kansas City startups ultimately brings greater interest from outside funding sources, said Darcy Howe, KCRise Fund founder and managing director. “We continue to be impressed by the increasing early stage deal flow in our region,” Howe said Tuesday in announcing the additions of Kansas City-based PayIt and Main Street Data to the fund’s…

    Digital Sandbox KC nabs $950K to continue regional startup impact

    By Tommy Felts | July 10, 2018

    Already with a lasting legacy of growing the area entrepreneurial ecosystem, Digital Sandbox KC has received significant support that should fuel its program for years to come. The proof-of-concept incubator was recently awarded a combined $950,000 — $450,000 from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and $500,000 from the Missouri Technology Corporation. The two grants will…

    Victor Hwang

    Victor Hwang: Individual entrepreneurs hold the key to making America great again

    By Tommy Felts | July 9, 2018

    Victor Hwang posed a riddle to a TEDx crowd gathered in Georgia. What five-letter word was overlooked during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign and almost never mentioned by the candidates or at the party conventions? The answer is rooted in overcoming inequality, said Hwang, vice president of entrepreneurship for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. “I’m…

    Rebecca Tombaugh

    Buildings and bus stops: Rebecca Tombaugh paints KC — sometimes with a stick

    By Tommy Felts | July 6, 2018

    A lack of clear direction felt liberating as Rebecca Tombaugh unrolled a 12-foot piece of heavy paper in her backyard and got to work, she said. The 59-year-old artist had been tasked with painting a mural of sorts for the Nonprofit Village, a coworking spot that soon would open at 31 W. 31st Street. It’s…