Minority-Led

Rep. Davids rejoins small biz committee amid leadership party switch in U.S. House

By Tommy Felts / January 31, 2023

In her return to Congress after re-election in November, Sharice Davids will serve as a voice for Kansas on three major drivers of the state’s economy, particularly in the newly-redrawn Kansas Third district, the congresswoman’s office said Tuesday. Late Monday night, U.S. Rep. Davids, D-Kansas, was granted a waiver to again serve on the House…

‘Food is Medicine’ tech platform shows appetite for growth with new $2.1M seed round

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2023

A patient-driven digital platform that empowers lower income Americans living with chronic health conditions to order the diet-specific foods and support they need announced Thursday it has closed a $2.1 million seed investment. The funding for Free From Market — one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 — allows the company…

Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures among 7 local restaurants, bars named James Beard semifinalists

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2023

Editor’s note: The following story was originally published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. Kansas City is well represented in the national food competition this year — with The Town Company, Yoli Tortilleria, Drastic Measures and…

Diverse startups are growing in KC, but is equitable funding matching their traction?

By Tommy Felts / January 26, 2023

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Kansas City Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. While Kansas City has ample resources for the growing number of budding entrepreneurs, BIPOC…

2023 is about ‘going deeper’: Startups to Watch gathers founders from streetwear, tech to NFTs, Esports (Event Photos)

By Tommy Felts / January 25, 2023

Storytelling brings communities together, said Austin Barnes, as nearly 200 of the region’s corporate, small business and startup leaders gathered for Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2023 reception and awards presentation.  “Startups to Watch is an opportunity for Startland News to do what it does best — amplify the story of entrepreneurship…