I can do that (better): How a home laser engraver burned a handcrafted apparel line — now sewn across KC — into reality 

Aquila, Brett, Titus and Chantelle Jackson, KC Laser Co.

Family man Brett Jackson wears his evolution as a serial entrepreneur as proudly as the Kansas City-love engraved on his line of custom leatherwork, hats and apparel, he said.  “The desire to continue to create propelled me into wanting to create physical items and tangible things,” said Jackson, a nationally recognized graphic designer and video…

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Deploying tech to today’s American warfighter: FirePoint taps startup space to help modernize military

Steve Cyrus, FirePoint Innovations Center, Wichita State University

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. Modern…

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Two Kansas companies engineer tool to vaporize hard-to-reach tumors with microwave tech

Members of the Engenious Team: Nathan Asinger, Nick Fowler, Chris Justice, Trevor Lytle, Brendan McGeehan, and Tyler Kodanaz

A Prairie Village product design firm is helping a nearby Kansas startup advance groundbreaking medical technology to treat previously-inoperable cancer tumors with minimally-invasive surgery. “Most of us have been affected by cancer through family, friends or our own experience, and we are delighted to help Precision Microwave create better tools to fight cancer,” said Chris…

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They want to create a SXSW-style festival in KC, but City of Entrepreneurs’ plans for Black founders dig even deeper

Nia Richardson, KC Bizcare, and Emma Willis, Venture Noire

Activation is just the beginning for organizers of a new, high-profile partnership that aims to boost Black business owners — starting in Kansas City — via programming, resources, major events and a soon-to-be announced accelerator. Entrepreneurs, investors and local politicians gathered Wednesday to celebrate the soft launch of City of Entrepreneurs — a new initiative that…

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Westside tortilleria’s from-scratch corn creations earn prestigious James Beard nod

Marissa Gencarelli, Yoli Tortilleria

A husband-and-wife tortilla-making duo in Kansas City’s Westside neighborhood are among semifinalists for one of the world’s most-prestigious accolades for restaurants and chefs: a James Beard Award. Marissa and Mark Gencarelli, co-founders of Yoli Tortilleria, were announced Wednesday as semifinalists for the James Beard “Outstanding Baker” honor. Twenty restaurants from across the country are now…

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