Minority-Led

‘Mr. K’ finalists tease what it’s like to work for the next Small Business of the Year

By Tommy Felts / May 12, 2023

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. Finalists for the KC Chamber’s Small Business of the Year award highlighted their companies’ commitments to strong workplace culture, DEI initiatives, and community relations during a panel…

Poio’s chef-owner lets go of his popular KCK restaurant: ‘I’m still learning how to relax’

By Tommy Felts / May 11, 2023

Carlos Mortera struggled with the idea of not working all hours of the waking day, he shared, explaining that this subconscious guilt is sometimes known as “immigrant shame.”  “Being a first-generation [American], you see all the sacrifices your parents made to get you to this country. Because of their sacrifices, you feel like you should…

KC’s sports business icons joining the roster for Junior Achievement Hall of Fame

By Tommy Felts / May 10, 2023

A Super Bowl win and the NFL Draft turned Kansas City into a sports haven, said Megan Sturges Stanfield, so it’s only fitting that the latest laureates to join Junior Achievement’s Business Hall of Fame reflect not only a passion for athleticism and their hometown — but translating opportunity into entrepreneurial success. Among the new…

KCK startup joins Tulsa Techstars, building toward expected $1.2M funding round

By Tommy Felts / May 9, 2023

Another Kansas City startup is headed for entrepreneurial resources in Oklahoma with Foresight Reporting’s just-announced acceptance into The Build in Tulsa Techstars Accelerator. “We’re very excited to not only be embedded in the Tulsa entrepreneurial ecosystem, but also in its rich culture and history,” said Jannae Gammage, CEO and co-founder of Kansas City, Kansas-built Foresight.…

Combat to capital: Vetelligence founder secures NMotion investment, accelerator deployment

By Tommy Felts / May 8, 2023

A Kansas City-based startup focused on guiding military service members into tech careers is among the latest companies selected for a top regional accelerator — strengthened by its founder’s own background as a veteran-turned-entrepreneur. Vetelligence — led by Zachary Oshinbanjo, who served nearly four years as an indirect infantryman and specialist in the U.S. Army…