All Stories

This entrepreneur jams Special Olympics advocacy (and a little chicory) into his Missouri storefront

By Tommy Felts / November 5, 2024

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. EDINA, Missouri — Jared Niemeyer started making homemade jam to…

Read More >

How a crowdfunding site is adding extra cheddar to Buffalo State Pizza’s relocation plans 

By Tommy Felts / November 5, 2024

Confidence is already in the box for Buffalo State Pizza Co.’s owners as they look to everyday investors to help their business complete and grow into a new space near downtown Overland Park, they said.  The duo — Philippe Lechevin and Steve Robson — launched a campaign this fall on the crowdfunding site Honeycomb Credit…

Read More >

Photos: ARtechBBQ party gets the beer cheese flowing with a salted pretzel tech twist

By Tommy Felts / November 4, 2024

Sweater weather returned Friday night alongside Kansas City’s premiere after-hours celebration of tech, and ARtechBBQ organizer Greg Kratofil couldn’t have been happier, he said. “How about this being back in the fall?” Kratofil asked a crowd of well-fed revelers at the party within the party on the grounds of the Kansas Speedway. ARtechBBQ — now…

Read More >

Family’s mission, deeply woven ties to artisan community in Mexico loom high for Nov. 8 showcase

By Tommy Felts / November 2, 2024

Two-in-one purpose: 50 blankets become 25 tops for this Crossroads shop, weaving warmth into the fiber of runway event A cloak-like coat that Jonathan Garvey’s brother designed for him as a Christmas present has inspired a new collection and a fashion show, the Pancho’s Blanket co-founder shared. The Repurpose Collection is set to debut 7…

Read More >

How one veteran’s early struggles with soft skills inspired tech to boost a new generation

By Tommy Felts / November 1, 2024

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. LOUIS — Gavin Pringle knows firsthand the struggles…

Read More >

Accessibility platform AskSAMIE expands to 500+ partners thanks to national homecare deals

By Tommy Felts / November 1, 2024

A pair of significant new partnerships not only allow Kansas City-based AskSAMIE to expand its national reach, said Dr. Brandy Archie; the deals put her startup a pivotal moment in its mission to deliver on-demand support to seniors and their caregivers. Working with homecare organizations ComForCare/At Your Side and CarePatrol will push AskSAMIE — a…

Read More >

Stripping Missouri’s supplier diversity goals stifles state’s prosperity potential, says women’s business advocate

By Tommy Felts / October 31, 2024

Ending nearly a decade of benchmarks that helped ensure greater equity in state contracts for businesses owned by minorities and women is a move in the wrong direction for Missouri, said Jennifer Brungardt, emphasizing the coming impact of lost opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. “Diversity and economic growth will be stifled without proper support from our…

Read More >
Kelly Sievers and Lauren Lawrence, Innovation Exchange

Capital connector’s message to women: Your investor pool isn’t just sharks; dive in and learn to swim

By Tommy Felts / October 31, 2024

When it comes to navigating the waters of capital and equity, Women’s Capital Connection angel investment network and the Women’s Business Center serve as a guide to both entrepreneurs and investors, Kelly Sievers shared. “All the education that we do and all the connections that we make, I would say that’s really the key,” explained…

Read More >

Entrepreneur behind Soul of Santa aims to create Rockefeller Plaza holiday experience on KC’s east side

By Tommy Felts / October 31, 2024

Tucker Lott hopes an outdoor ice skating rink at 2000 Vine — the home of Vine Street Brewing — will help solidify a new holiday tradition in the 18th and Vine entertainment district, the veteran entrepreneur said. “We wanted to create a holiday atmosphere where families could gather and have fun,” said Lott. “The entire…

Read More >

Proptech startup Particle Space acquired by LA real estate marketing software firm

By Tommy Felts / October 30, 2024

The acquisition of a Kansas City proptech startup by one of its first — and biggest — customers offers founder David Biga the opportunity to pivot back to his entrepreneurial roadmap, he said, reflecting on next steps once Particle Space’s technology is fully integrated into its new home. “Build, give back, build, give back,” Biga…

Read More >
1MC-Digital-Attend-2460x318px-v1
Founders-Club-Banner-Ad-2

Join Founder's Club – Support Our Mission

Enjoy access to our email newsletter, members only Slack community, exclusive events and other member perks.