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Honeywell investing $84M in Olathe aviation innovation, adding 150+ jobs, ‘dream careers’ for young workers 

By Tommy Felts / February 2, 2024

As Kansas works to reframe perceptions of the region around its health innovation and biologics industries, corporate and government officials on Friday announced a win for another innovation-driver and “compelling megatrend” for the Sunflower State: the future of aviation. Honeywell Aerospace Technologies plans to invest $84 million to expand its Olathe manufacturing facility, the company…

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Pipeline’s new cohorts show ‘power of diversity’; here’s who’s joining the elite entrepreneur network

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

Pipeline’s roster of high-growth Midwest entrepreneurs swelled Thursday as the premier fellowship network officially announced more than two dozen founders joining its 2024 Fellowship and Pathfinder Program. “The selected Fellows and Pathfinders represent the power and impact of diverse companies, leaders and regions being represented in a cohort,” said Vincent, executive director of Pipeline Entrepreneurs.…

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U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, Wednesday at Ronawk in Olathe

Legislation to support Native American entrepreneurs could boost grants to tribes, Hawaiian natives

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

A bipartisan effort to strengthen and expand government-backed opportunities for Native American entrepreneurs got a boost this week, with legislation championed by a Kansas lawmaker advancing in the U.S. House. The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act — introduced by U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, and Eli Crane, R-Arizona — moved out of committee Wednesday, according…

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Al Davis Memorial Torch, photo courtesy of Dimensional Innovations

How this KC-designed (and 3D-printed) stadium torch will light the Chiefs’ way to Super Bowl LVIII

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

Nearly four years after it was unveiled in Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium, the Al Davis Memorial Torch will serve as a beacon of light — and hometown spirit — for a Kansas City Chiefs team set to take on their 2020 Super Bowl rivals. Designed and developed by Kansas City-based Dimensional Innovations, the 93-foot stadium torch…

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New capital programs for KC small businesses unveiled, starting with micro-biz grants 

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

Editor’s note: Kansas City’s KC BizCare Office and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation are financial supporters or partners of Startland News. A new collaborative effort aims to boost Kansas City’s small business and startup ecosystems by building greater capital readiness among entrepreneurs and increasing access to starting capital, said Tracey Lewis. The Economic Development Corporation…

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Kara Lowe, KC Tech Council

KC Tech Council leader tapped as new board member for Technology Councils of North America

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — An advocacy organization that works to amplify priorities from across the tech industry in the United States and Canada has selected a Kansas City champion to join its leadership. The Technology Councils of North America announced this week the appointment of Kara Lowe, president and CEO of the KC Tech Council, to…

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KC startup pairs with blockchain platform to build trust, value in premium beef genetics

By Tommy Felts / January 31, 2024

A newly announced strategic collaboration is expected to help Lenexa-based Vytelle promote the value of feeder cattle, while simultaneously bringing more transparency to a critical market segment within the beef industry. The initiative between Vytelle and BlockTrust Network — an API-driven platform that leverages blockchain technology to enhance trust within the beef supply chain —…

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Make it Red February: Here are 20+ must-see additions to your KC closet (Super Bowl edition)

By Tommy Felts / January 31, 2024

The haters might have counted the Kansas City Chiefs out of Super Bowl contention after a lackluster regular season, but these shirts from across the spectrum of KC makers are for the fans who relish the role of underdog, villain, road warrior, and, of course, Swiftie. Check out 20-plus new designs to intercept before the…

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Taylor Swift’s Super Bowl ring: How a $14 gold loop on the world’s most famous popstar scored big for this KC maker

By Tommy Felts / January 30, 2024

Emily Bordner couldn’t believe the once-in-a-lifetime response to her Travis Kelce-themed ring’s appearance on the finger of one of the world’s biggest celebrities. “I’m still in shock,” said Bordner, owner of EB and Co., after images of superstar Taylor Swift rocking her jewelry at the AFC Championship Game on Sunday exploded on social media and…

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It’s showtime for KC makers as demand for Super Bowl gear hits the jackpot: Go BTS with Charlie Hustle

By Tommy Felts / January 30, 2024

Even though the Kansas City Chiefs are headed to their fourth Super Bowl appearance in five years, Jordan Betts shared, fans are still snatching up merchandise like it’s the first time. “These aren’t even winning-the-Super Bowl shirts,” said Betts, communications manager for Kansas City-based Charlie Hustle, referencing the apparel brand’s newly debuted “Showtime in Vegas”…

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