Minority-Led

Fund Me, KC: ‘Black Spartans’ returns with supernatural new chapter, summer crowdfunding push

By Tommy Felts / June 28, 2022

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Brandon Calloway’s third installment of the “Black Spartans” series — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing…

Truth, not Troost: Ruby Jean’s founder wants East Side corridor renamed over slavery ties

By Tommy Felts / June 24, 2022

Despite its widely-known street name, “Troost Avenue” does not accurately represent the small businesses, nonprofits and families along the increasingly dense Kansas City corridor, said Chris Goode. “So many beautiful efforts take place on Troost — from The Combine to Operation Breakthrough or Urban Cafe and Rockhurst University… We are all collectively pushing for community,…

New focus will offer jobs to formerly incarcerated people on the path to second chance entrepreneurship, says nonprofit

By Tommy Felts / June 23, 2022

Kansas City-based Determination, Incorporated is refocusing its mission with a new social enterprise business that will directly place formerly incarcerated individuals into employment soon after they return home. Strong Start Make Readies is expected to provide jobs to people exiting incarceration as members of make ready crews at Kansas City area apartment complexes, single-family rental…

Attack of the 40-foot Community Builders: KC changemakers celebrated at Power & Light (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / June 20, 2022

Coworkers, fans and family members of this year’s Community Builders to Watch pulled up to the big screen Wednesday at Power & Light to see five of their favorite changemakers honored for efforts to improve Kansas City. Videos showcasing the select community builders — nominated by Startland News readers and members of the public — played on…

Inclusivity succeeds when founders are held accountable, says winner of Chamber’s equity award

By Tommy Felts / June 18, 2022

Fahteema Parrish doesn’t mind putting forward extra work to make sure her employees feel included, she shared, embracing an environment that supports individuals of all backgrounds.  “Parrish & Sons Construction is an example of what intentional execution of equitable work within an organization actually looks like. Equality and inclusivity are key focal points as my…