Posts by Tommy Felts
United WE powers forward with initiative to appoint women into government positions
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly saluted United WE Wednesday as the women-focused nonprofit celebrated 30 years of change-making across the two-state region — from strengthening workplace benefits to empowering more women into civic leadership. “United WE is making a huge difference. Just this year, United WE partnered with my office to significantly expand parental leave benefits…
Read MoreKC company packages guilt-free plastic alternative with new fashion line by Grammy-winning Ciara
A Kansas City company’s groundbreaking biodegradable packaging will help send shipping waste from a fashion icon’s new clothing line back to the earth, officials from Biolo announced Thursday. LITA by Ciara — The House of LR&C’s new consciously created, ready to wear collection, inspired by Grammy award-winning singer Ciara — will include sustainable packaging for…
Read MoreAltCap, GIFT, small business allies partner to expand opportunities for Black-owned ventures
A coalition of Kansas City organizations have joined forces to launch a new partnership that will invest in the region’s Black-owned small businesses through flexible debt and equity financing, grant funding and business advisory services, the group announced Thursday. “Unfortunately, many Black entrepreneurs are left out of the financial mainstream when it comes to business…
Read MoreNo soy tu chacha: How four Latinx moms (and 600+ of their closest friends) are cleaning up gender roles
Editor’s note: Veronica Alvidrez is a member of the education team at Startland, the parent organization of Startland News. This story, detailing Alvidrez’s business, paraMi, was produced independently by Startland News’ independent nonprofit newsroom. One year ago in the thick of the pandemic, Veronica Alvidrez felt like she was losing her voice. Not the literal one —…
Read MoreFund Me, KC: Maker of first girls wrestling shoe launches new feat — a pair for the champions
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 and innovators — like Kansas City’s Deb North and the newly launched Champion1 girls wrestling shoe — to share their crowdfunding stories and…
Read More

