Minority-Led

Not a college student anymore: Entrepreneur’s origami-inspired bags fold functionality into professional fashion

By Tommy Felts / May 13, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. LOUIS — Founded in 2018 by Lisa Hu,…

PMI Rate Pro exits: KC fintech calls acquisition the ‘natural next step’ for its mortgage tech solution

By Tommy Felts / May 8, 2025

MIAMI — A strategic acquisition between a software leader and a Kansas City fintech startup brings together two innovators in mortgage tech to deliver the industry’s most comprehensive platform, said Nomi Smith, co-founder of PMI Rate Pro. LoanPASS on Thursday announced its purchase of PMI Rate Pro, an Overland Park-based fintech specializing in API-driven private…

Push to change Troost’s racially-charged name stalls again, leaving vocal advocates disheartened

By Tommy Felts / May 6, 2025

Chris Goode stood at the podium Tuesday in council chambers at City Hall, voicing a frustration with the city’s repeated inaction on his proposal to change the name of Troost Avenue — a Kansas City thoroughfare with a legacy rooted in slavery — to Truth Avenue. “I want to keep my head up high, but…

Developers unveil ‘The Parker’ at historic jazz site; the latest 18th & Vine reboot project

By Tommy Felts / May 6, 2025

‘We will have an 18th and Vine where we don’t just tell stories, but where we make new ones,’ said Mayor Quinton Lucas. ‘And we will have an 18th and Vine that continues to be a crown jewel – not just of our Black community – but of our entire region.’ Respecting the hallowed ground…