All Stories

How Kelly Clarkson’s well-timed Father’s Day gift boosted a KC entrepreneur’s nonprofit

By Tommy Felts / June 22, 2024

Life’s recent whirlwind initially shocked James Hogue — the newly-minted “rad dad” who earned a shoutout (and a couple thousand dollars) on the Father’s Day edition of Kelly Clarkson’s hit daytime talk show. “My first thought was, ‘Is this really happening?’” the Kansas City dad and certified doula said. The founder of Fathers Assisting Mothers…

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Venture Noire is ready to activate KC with focus on improving outcomes for Black entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / June 21, 2024

Venture Noire comes to Kansas City late this month with a two-day event to help early-stage entrepreneurs plan their next moves and reintroduce the Northwest Arkansas-based nonprofit to local business owners.  Planned for June 26-27 at Keystone CoLAB, the “KC’s Playbook for Entrepreneurial Excellence” event is expected to feature a boot camp with workshops on…

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Wild Way closing: Coffee camper drips bittersweet blend of emotions as owner’s cup runs dry

By Tommy Felts / June 21, 2024

Nearly six years after she began serving lattes in her popular Wild Way coffee camper, Christine Clutton is saying goodbye to the business at the end of the month, she confirmed. Wild Way Coffee — featured on the Peacock series “The Simple Art of Swedish Death Cleaning” and approved by KC-raised actor Jason Sudeikis —…

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Wichita investors propel startup helping underserved schools, nonprofits boost workforce

By Tommy Felts / June 20, 2024

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.  WICHITA — A more than $500,000 oversubscribed round from accredited investors — mostly Wichita backers — is just one milestone in tech startup KaaS’ plans for $1 million in 2024 investments, said…

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Sass-a-brass trumpets representation as demand grows for its roving queer street performances

By Tommy Felts / June 18, 2024

When Rosie O’Brien first organized a queer street parade brass band — specializing in Mardi Gras and Pride vibes — the sousaphonist-turned-arts leader had no idea the cultural impact and representation Sass-a-brass could bring to Kansas City. “The first time we got together as a band was for the first Lawrence pride parade in 2018,”…

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Juneteenth efforts confront ‘complex history’, generational trauma in KC communities

By Tommy Felts / June 18, 2024

Celebrating Juneteenth in Prairie Village — a community that historically excluded people of color — is a sign of progress, said Dr. George Williams. Stand Up For Black Lives+ Prairie Village and the Johnson County NAACP recently organized a weekend Juneteenth event — the groups’ fourth annual commemoration of June 19, 1865, the day the…

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This BBQ vendor comes fully loaded with spuds and spices; Soon he’ll park the business along one of KC’s busiest streets

By Tommy Felts / June 18, 2024

Southern flavors find a new home at the window of Thomas “TC” Clark’s food truck, a popular Kansas City destination on wheels that specializes in Southern and barbecue cuisine served on loaded baked potatoes. “When I moved here, I missed the barbecue baked potatoes we had back home, so that was a big inspiration,” said…

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Before restaurant’s debut, this KC founder’s expansion was threatened by predatory loans

By Tommy Felts / June 17, 2024

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by AltCap, an ally to underestimated entrepreneurs that offers financing to businesses and communities that traditional lenders do not serve. There’s nothing quite like the crackling warmth at the heart of a campsite. “I just love what the fire does,” said Amante Domingo. “It brings people around,…

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Kauffman Foundation looks within, names new executive director for 1 Million Cups, FastTrac

By Tommy Felts / June 17, 2024

The new steward of two core programs from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation brings a wealth of experience in inclusive entrepreneurship and as a workforce development leader, the influential Kansas City philanthropic organization said Monday. Olatunji Ajani, a current associate at the Kauffman Foundation, begins his role as executive director for 1 Million Cups and…

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Smokeware ceramicist wins Chamber’s new arts award: A breath of fresh air for once-waylaid artist

By Tommy Felts / June 14, 2024

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. Riley Brain strikes a delicate balance between artist and entrepreneur, the founder said Thursday after being named the KC Chamber’s first winner of the Luminary Art and…

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