Government

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson border war kc

Missouri governor signs bill to end KC ‘border war,’ awaits Kansas response

By Tommy Felts / June 12, 2019

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill Tuesday placing restrictions on tax incentives offered to businesses moving from certain counties in Kansas to Missouri. The bill represents a step toward ending the economic development “border war” between the two states. “This is really about being competitive with real competitors,” said Parson, who was in Kansas…

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$50K inclusion grant to KCMO a step toward ‘most entrepreneurial city’ for everyone

By Tommy Felts / June 8, 2019

Kansas City, Missouri, pocketed a major win for the entrepreneurial community Wednesday, becoming one of 10 cities in the nation to be selected for the City Accelerator initiative for inclusive contract procurement. The city will receive a $50,000 grant by the Citi Foundations and Living Cities to increase the opportunities for firms owned by people…

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The Rainbow Crossing, Utrecht, Netherlands, photo by Tayla Kohler

Pride underfoot: Founder’s rainbow crosswalk movement met with resistance

By Tommy Felts / June 4, 2019

KC PrideFest 2019 has come and gone, but one voice in Kansas City’s startup community is advocating for a year-around symbol of LGBTQ+ support. “I want something that’s going to be more permanent than a sticker on the streetcar,” said Brandon Love, referencing the recently unveiled KC streetcar that sports a wraparound rainbow design. “That’s…

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Rhonda Dolan, Udo

Rhonda Dolan, on-demand personal assistant Udo honored as Chamber’s Entrepreneur of the Year

By Tommy Felts / May 23, 2019

A lunchtime affair at the 2019 Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business Awards quickly turned from celebratory mingling to shock and awe for Rhonda Dolan. “For [the Chamber] to recognize my efforts over the last year, which have been pretty intense, means a lot,” said Dolan, founder and CEO of Udo, reflecting on her…

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Michael Wilson and James DeWitt, United American Hemp

Niall luxury watches founder, longtime friend: Time to harvest hemp potential in the heartland

By Tommy Felts / April 24, 2019

With a traditional business mindset and solid entrepreneurial track record, James DeWitt and Michael Wilson could have done just about anything they wanted in life. Uniquely bold, each in their own regard, the longtime friends didn’t want to stick to the status quo as they looked for new ventures after their former acts burned down,…

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