Education

How a toy car can recapture a moment (and put a little cash in this student’s pocket)

By Tommy Felts / March 14, 2025

Collecting toys is in Andrew Bates’ blood, the UMKC senior said — and now it’s in his wallet. A supply chain management student at the university, Bates was exposed to the hunt for nostalgia early, he said; his father was snagging Hot Wheels for him before Bates was born. “I was (slow) to embrace it,” the…

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Kauffman-backed tech coalition gains runway (and funding) to help fill KC’s talent pipeline, leader says

By Tommy Felts / March 3, 2025

A new talent-focused coalition led by the KC Tech Council envisions a reality where all of Kansas City’s tech jobs can be filled by Kansas City, said Kara Lowe, unveiling new details of an initiative made possible by the Kauffman Foundation’s new “Collective Impact” funding pathway. KC Tech Council on Friday publicly announced its employer-led…

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Big win for UMKC: Unlocking top tier research status gives KC new competitive edge

By Tommy Felts / February 14, 2025

A new milestone for the University of Missouri-Kansas City — achieving status as Kansas City’s first Carnegie R1 research institution — is expected to help boost the region’s ability to start, grow and scale more startups, leaders said this week, emphasizing the role university-led research plays in innovation across industries and communities. “It’s absolutely massive…

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‘People pay for value’: How a young mom’s plan to hold passion tight drives her baby apparel side hustle

By Tommy Felts / February 11, 2025

Coming from a family of business owners, Riley Rhoads knew she wanted to pursue entrepreneurship: starting her own business — but with a goal to help others, the founder of Hold Tight Baby said. “When I hear people talk about, ‘Oh, I want to be an entrepreneur; I want to start and own my own…

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K-State accelerator opens applications to startups; university dives deeper into regional K-State 105 initiative

By Tommy Felts / January 29, 2025

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.  MANHATTAN, Kansas — Sunflower State startups are invited to apply for Kansas State University’s entrepreneurship accelerator, which now boasts a more-than-10-year track record, as well as a refined focus on…

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