Government

‘Not a good look’: Amid budget cut criticism, Mayor Q shuffles $25K between small biz support groups

By Tommy Felts / February 29, 2020

Editor’s note: Startland News is a program of STARTLAND, an ecosystem-building organization that is among the participants in an informal coalition of entrepreneur support groups hoping to increase funding for small business support in the 2020-2021 Kansas City, Missouri, budget. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. Responding to sharp criticism of…

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Donald Hawkins, KC Collective; STARTLAND's Innovation Exchange

Ecosystem builder on Mayor Q’s budget cuts: Startup support helps fill potholes too

By Tommy Felts / February 21, 2020

Startup support is an investment — not just a cost to the city, a leading ecosystem builder said Thursday following a proposed KCMO budget that would reduce funding for groups aiding KC’s emerging innovators and risk-takers. “Go around to meet the entrepreneurs, understand their stories — see how we max out our credit cards to hire…

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2020-2021 Kansas City, Missouri, city budget

Proposed KCMO budget includes $4.8M for zero-fare transit — cuts LaunchKC, KCSourceLink funding

By Tommy Felts / February 13, 2020

A newly proposed city budget for Kansas City, Missouri, holds steady at $1.73 billion — making room for Mayor Quinton Lucas’ zero-fare transit program, while appearing to scale back funding for entrepreneur support across the city. KCMO would remove $50,000 for the LaunchKC program and $75,000 for KCSourceLink, if the submitted budget is approved, according…

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2018 LaunchKC winners

‘NEXT Missouri’ coalition launches policy push to renew MTC funding; EDCKC backing effort

By Tommy Felts / January 29, 2020

A new effort by a coalition of Missouri policy-focused organizations aims to give Show Me State entrepreneurs a voice among legislators, as well as renew funding for an agency known for providing meaningful cash injections to Kansas City startups. Among the key priorities for NEXT Missouri — a 17-member-strong group, backed by the Economic Development Corporation…

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Jeff Shackelford, Enterprise Center in Johnson County

Jeff Shackleford named ECJC’s top exec, aims to keep nonprofit’s impact on entrepreneurs in the billions 

By Tommy Felts / January 16, 2020

A transition to new leadership at the Enterprise Center in Johnson County comes with a pledge to build upon the work of the nearly 25-year-old nonprofit, said Jeff Shackelford. “The ECJC will continue to play a vital role in being a focal point for local companies and entrepreneurs looking to raise capital to start and…

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