All Stories

‘Every business matters, every job matters’: How $69M in federal funds is already boosting KS entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / December 13, 2022

Kansas will use a recent influx of federal funding to strengthen the state’s small business and venture capital ecosystems, according to project leaders of a new high-profile effort focusing on equitable access. The state was allocated $69 million earlier this year as part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), a federal program that…

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Your body at work: Park further from the entrance and take a shower (plus all your vacation time) for better health (Holistic Hustle)

By Tommy Felts / December 13, 2022

Kharissa Parker is a news producer, writer, certified health coach, and columnist for Startland News. For more of her self-care tips on how to keep your cup full, visit kparker.co. Editor’s note: This commentary on physical fitness — and its impact on the strength and energy a person’s body needs to carry them throughout the…

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Scavenger Tech greenlights indoor-outdoor exploration with box that only unlocks by visiting GPS markers

By Tommy Felts / December 10, 2022

An inventor’s GPS-driven scavenger hunt device provides needed adventure in the physical world — minimizing screen time while unlocking meaningful challenges and experiences, said Jeff VanDeusen. “I’ve always been someone who likes to go outside and enjoy nature, and I know that’s not always what engineers are known for,” said VanDeusen, creator of Scavenger Tech and…

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‘Newbie’ maker collective adds gifts, plants and untamed flair with new West Bottoms shop

By Tommy Felts / December 10, 2022

The West Bottoms might be known for its vintage shops, but a just-opened maker collective full of new retail is hoping to add to the neighborhood’s narrative. 12th Street Post — a mixed-use retail space with about 80 local makers and vendors at 1501 West 12th St. — celebrated its grand opening Dec. 2. The…

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Every big city deserves a great Irish pub: KC Hooley House set to fill P&L vacancy before March Madness, NFL Draft

By Tommy Felts / December 8, 2022

A quartet of entrepreneurs plans to bring a traditional Irish pub with a modern twist back to the Power & Light District in early 2023 — hinting at a made-from-scratch kitchen menu, alongside handcrafted vintage and new mixologist inspired cocktails. “Every big city nationally and internationally has a great Irish pub, the city’s pub, a…

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Shot of gratitude: Coffee shop damaged by truck collision reopens, celebrating with thank you event

By Tommy Felts / December 8, 2022

Anchor Island is planning an official grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting ceremony Saturday, less than three months after the tropical-themed coffee shop at 41st and Troost suffered damage to its front entrance when a speeding truck careened into the building. The crash occurred after hours, so no one was injured. However, Anchor Island was…

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Mobile plant shop, nonprofit for returning citizens among latest Alchemy Sandbox grant winners

By Tommy Felts / December 8, 2022

The Porter House KC closed out the first year of its Alchemy Sandbox program by awarding five more small business owners with up to $5,000 in grants. In total, PHKC Alchemy Sandbox awarded 20 businesses with grants in 2022.  “We started this journey with a simple idea: to deepen our commitment to supporting the small…

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Advisors on air: Why a budding wealth management giant traded Zoom cameras for a TV studio

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2022

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. TOPEKA…

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Want to talk (downtown) baseball? Royals set Plexpod Westport Commons for first stop on listening tour

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2022

Less than a month after announcing the Royals’ intention to build a $2 billion downtown ballpark district — a vision that would see the Major League Baseball franchise leave its longtime home at Kauffman Stadium — the team’s leadership is opening a community dialogue on its future. The move would boost economic growth for entrepreneurs,…

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Agtech startup officially moves its corral to KC with global HQ’s relocation from Oregon

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2022

Vytelle’s new global headquarters is joining a region with the largest concentration of industry professionals devoted to the health, well-being, and genetic progress of animals, said Kerryann Kocher, announcing the startup’s official move to Lenexa.  “We’re excited to put down roots in the Midwest and call Kansas City home to our global headquarters,” said Kocher,…

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