All Stories

KC startup’s assests acquired by InnovaPrep; founder says best partners share ‘niche’ expertise 

By Tommy Felts / October 30, 2023

Clara Biotech was one of the first startups to complete BioTools Innovator’s accelerator in 2021, said Jim West; now the Kansas-built startup’s CEO is fully aboard the entrepreneur-boosting effort as associate director — and with his own company’s exit behind him. West, co-founder of Clara Biotech — which launched first-of-its-kind cancer detection in 2015 from…

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Art Garden KC grows maker market from Sunday pop-up to seasonal shopping experience

By Tommy Felts / October 28, 2023

While unpredictable Midwest weather canceled the outdoor finale of Art Garden KC’s season this weekend at the Berkley Riverfront, the spirit of the maker market will pop up again soon with an indoor event in the Crossroads. Art Garden KC’s Beggars Bazaar — set for 6 .m. to 9 p.m. Friday Nov. 3 — returns…

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KU unveils ‘Origin Stories’ of its best-known traditions; project reunites KC artist with her alma mater

By Tommy Felts / October 27, 2023

LAWRENCE — An installation inspired by a phrase deeply familiar to University of Kansas alumni and fans across the region — “Rock Chalk Jayhawk KU” — is set to be permanently displayed on Mount Oread, diving deep into the origins of the local traditions. “It all began with being interested in the origin stories of…

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New mix in the Cauldron: Anti-capitalist storefront with obscure books, vegan food brewing

By Tommy Felts / October 26, 2023

A worker-owned, community-centered bookstore and plant-based cafe — manifested by Cauldron Collective and Turnsol Books — is expected to fully open soon in the Crossroads. “I’ve thought about the space in various ways for my whole life,” said Olive Cooke, self-proclaimed “cooking witch” and co-founder of the Cauldron Collective. “I believe in manifestation, like when…

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A comfy sweatshirt when the world is on fire? It’s just the start for this mental health advocate-turned-entrepreneur

By Tommy Felts / October 26, 2023

Clever Babes founder Hannah Milks is passionate about building community around mental health and self care in Kansas City, she shared. The Liberty native is using her knowledge of design and somatics — plus her lived experience tending to herself through various mental health stages — to help other people care for themselves and connect…

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This gumbo hits The Spot: How Prospect KC’s own students cooked up a prize-winning competition entry

By Tommy Felts / October 26, 2023

Gumbo Fest brought two victories for Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant and the Prospect KC. Not only did the weekend event earlier this month raise money to support the Prospect KC’s mission — empowering individuals and communities through increased food access, nutrition education and culinary job training — the Prospect KC’s culinary students also took home the…

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Money in the tank: Health tech startup lands Pure Pitch Rally’s biggest catch of the day

By Tommy Felts / October 24, 2023

The support of Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community — and the “land sharks” at this year’s Pure Pitch Rally — means the world to MedCurate founder and CEO Ashley McClellan, she shared. “They have just wrapped their arms around me as I’ve transitioned from corporate America to the entrepreneurship space,” she continued. “I’m very grateful for…

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KC officially earns title of ‘Tech Hub,’ opening door to massive federal grant funding

By Tommy Felts / October 24, 2023

The federal government’s designation of Kansas City as one of 31 U.S. Tech Hubs is expected to further cement the region’s reputation as a leader in vaccine development and biotechnology, said Quinton Lucas, as well as open access to newly launched federal funding opportunities. “The wins keep coming for Kansas City,” said Lucas, mayor of…

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LaunchKC liftoff: Meet 13 startups competing for their share of $300K in grant winnings 

By Tommy Felts / October 23, 2023

Kansas City’s premiere grants competition returns in mere weeks with six $50,000 grants on the line, said Becca Castro, and more than dozen startup founders are being interviewed this week to help determine the winners. LaunchKC — a partnership between the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Downtown Council — plans to…

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AltCap Your Biz reveals 10 finalists vying for $25K grand prize at cornerstone GEWKC event

By Tommy Felts / October 23, 2023

A competition aimed at mobilizing the next generation of entrepreneurs and social innovators — along with awarding more than $40,000 in cash prizes to its winners — announced Monday the 10 finalists vying for its 2023 honors. AltCap Your Biz returns to the stage Thursday, Nov. 16 at Plexpod Westport at Park 39 as part…

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