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A celebration of Black America — and the critical work it’s done to begin breaking systemic cycles nationwide — is expected to launch soon in Kansas City, promising to shine a light on Black-owned businesses and creators, Kearra Johnson said. “As young, Black entrepreneurs in the city, we’ve been looking for ways to get our brands…
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Midwest investors need to familiarize themselves with the potential waiting to play within the video game industry, said Ryan Manning, noting they otherwise risk losing out on major opportunities. “I don’t mind having those conversations and educating the parties involved,” said Manning, the founder of Bad Rhino Studios. “I think the biggest reason things need…
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In an era of online ordering, curbside delivery and quick departures, Made in KC’s latest concept — a breezy beach café in Leawood — envisions an oasis where Kansas Citians swing by, but stay, for local coffee, natural wines, hard-to-find tropical cocktails, and vegan sandwiches from Mattie’s. “We’re not quite a full-on restaurant experience with this…
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Story and photos by Channa Steinmetz, Startland News | Video by Catherine Hoffman, Flatland Sitting in fear was quickly off the menu for Fanny Ruiz de Chavez — told less than two months after her Lee’s Summit restaurant’s 2020 grand opening that she’d need to close down because of COVID-19 restrictions, she recalled. “I…
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Two months after announcing “the final chapter” of Zaarly, the Kansas City startup’s founder and 12-member team have joined a fast-growing international tech company — bringing the overseas brand to the U.S. via Zaarly’s existing footprint and expertise. “There’s no other company in the world with more shared origin DNA to Zaarly,” Bo Fishback, founder…
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Joining the latest class of Techstars Kansas City is expected to help startups like afloat scale what’s worked in Kansas City into other markets, said Sarah-Allen Preston, founder of a KC gift-sending app that connects users’ social circles, communities, and businesses. “Being selected for Techstars is a great validation for afloat’s momentum after a year…
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A Kansas City nonprofit leader is among the inaugural “changemakers” selected for a $50,000 grant as part of Triscuit’s $1 million commitment to its Missing Ingredients Project. Maxfield Kaniger, CEO and founder of Kanbe’s Markets, was announced for the honor Tuesday with funds expected to support Kanbe’s unique and innovative community-based micro market program, which…
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Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners — like Parkville creator Loni Louise Bernard with her Philosopher game — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from new…
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Editor’s note: Give Black and Kansas City GIFT are non-financial partners of Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ non-profit newsroom. A newly launched campaign intended to back Black-owned businesses needs widespread community support to make the most impact, Brandon Calloway said, shedding light on why eight…
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More than 3,000 books and records surrounded Willa Robinson as her eyes danced between decades of knowledge and culture gathered in her neighborhood shop, Willa’s Books and Vinyl — the only Black-owned brick-and-mortar book store in Kansas City. “Opening a store hadn’t been in my plans. I’m a collector, but then collecting got out of…
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