All Stories
There’s no stealing Christmas for local bar owners as they prepare to unwrap various holiday-themed pop-up experiences — despite a Grinch of a pandemic that’s upended sales for much of the year. Sippin’ Santa is expected to return to Westport-crafted Julep Cocktail Club as a reimagined, curbside pop-up next month, Keely Edgington told Startland News. “If…
Read More >
Plug and Play promised regional connectivity when the international network of accelerators announced plans for a Topeka-based program, and it’s already paying off for one Kansas City-grown startup — before the Kansas accelerator even launches. “Don’t ever turn down an opportunity to meet somebody or be introduced to somebody — because you never know where things are…
Read More >
In contrast to its neon name, No Vacancy offers plenty of room for staycationing Kansas Citians at its newly-opened Crossroads hotel — a cozy getaway for pandemic-grounded guests looking to recharge without the risk of travel, said Spencer Sight. “Cabin fever is real and this place has the ability to transport you elsewhere,” said Sight,…
Read More >
Alesha Bowman had plans March 15 to celebrate the two-year anniversary of her plus-size thrift store, UnLESHed+, by opening a new storefront on the historic Troost Avenue. But on March 14, a nationwide pandemic forced Bowman’s plans to be entirely reworked. “You just have to pivot,” Bowman said, noting that she used Facebook and Instagram…
Read More >
As COVID-19 began to spread, InnovaPrep could almost immediately see the reason why — and it’s a realization that has gained the startup some serious traction, explained David Alburty. “All the puzzle pieces fit neatly in place for us. The high transmission rate without definitive contact was one of the biggest tells,” added Alburty, the Drexel,…
Read More >
Rightfully Sewn’s acquisition by a 109-year-old nonprofit with national reach means more contracts, more employees and more impact for the mission-focused fashion company, said Jennifer Lapka. “No shakeups, no drama. The brand, programs, and team will stay intact,” said Lapka, founder of Rightfully Sewn, which this week announced a merger with Kansas City-based Alphapointe. “We…
Read More >
It’s not a normal year, Alyx Bartrom said, acknowledging the obvious and embracing opportunities to innovate a more-than-30-year-old community tradition. “You have to either adapt or you get left behind,” Bartrom, director of fund development and marketing for Guadalupe Centers, said of the century-old non-profit and social service agency’s upcoming Blanco y Negro Awards Gala…
Read More >
Kay Hansley is a doula, seamstress, art teacher, dietary manager and artist. She pulls inspiration from all aspects of her life, she said, and isn’t scared to take risks. “We should never feel afraid to express ourselves and let people see the real us. This was my first time really being able to explain how…
Read More >
A couple’s curiosity in nutrition and health inspired TRI-OLOGY — a versatile liquid solution intended to combat oral diseases. Lab tests now are showing that same liquid solution to be capable of eradicating SAR-CoV-2, known as COVID-19, Janice King and Dale Winetroub said. “We’re not doing rocket science; we’re taking whole plants and when they…
Read More >
Pulling water out of thin air — a concept too good to be true or too obvious to ignore? “The No. 1 problem we are going to face as a planet will be water,” said Erick Went, who serves as chief technology officer for Kansas City-based Genesis Systems. “I think we take that for granted…
Read More >
Join Founder's Club – Support Our Mission
Enjoy access to our email newsletter, members only Slack community, exclusive events and other member perks.