Funding

10 emerging makers compete for cash prizes; AltCap, Strawberry Swing team up for fall showcase

By Tommy Felts / September 30, 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. [divide] Amid the historic charm of Alexander Majors Barn, 10 Kansas City-area artisans stepped into the spotlight as AltCap and Strawberry Swing teamed up to host the…

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Just funded: Digital Sandbox KC drops the hook for three more emerging tech startups

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2024

From optimizing trucking logistics to revolutionizing peer-to-peer recommendations and streamlining compliance with AI, the latest startups funded by Digital Sandbox KC are poised to make a significant impact in their industries, said Jill Meyer.  “We’ve been truly impressed by the expertise and passion these founders bring to the table,” said Meyer, senior director of Technology…

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Hy-Vee’s small biz competition sends Midwest entrepreneurs racing for $50K checkout; Here are the winners

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2024

BaKIT Box, a Chicago-based subscription service offering baking kits inspired by diverse global cuisines, took home the $30,000 grand prize at the 2024 Hy-Vee OpportUNITY Inclusive Business Summit.  Shelley Gupta, the founder and CEO of BaKIT Box, was thrilled to receive the grand prize, she said. “It feels incredible,” Gupta said. “I flew here last…

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How city dollars could help crime victims get back to business; Mayor unveils new fund to support struggling entrepreneurs 

By Tommy Felts / September 13, 2024

A newly introduced fund aimed at helping KCMO small businesses recover from and prevent property crimes — offering grants up to $3,000 for damage repairs and $5,000 for security upgrades — is a step in the right direction, said Joe Giammanco, whose pizza shop was recently hit by criminals. “Programs like this are going to…

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KC pet tech startup fetches $120K Techstars investment, taking founder’s pitch to Atlanta

By Tommy Felts / September 12, 2024

As Kansas City-built Interplay prepares to bring its debut product to market, the pet tech startup is getting a jolt of new energy from one of the nation’s top accelerator programs. The timing couldn’t be better, said founder Jonaie Johnson, announcing Interplay’s acceptance into Techstars Atlanta & New Orleans Powered by J.P. Morgan, which welcomed…

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