Minority-Led

Fifth & Emery rebrand puts local in control; Isaac Lee Collins’ next move: add handmade chocolate

By Tommy Felts / February 20, 2025

Taking his businesses independent is the cherry on top for Isaac Lee Collins, following more than a decade building his credentials as one of Kansas City’s most consistent and resilient entrepreneurs. A rebrand of Collins’ frozen yogurt ventures adds a further twist to his story. “After 10 years of being a franchisee of Yogurtini and…

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Building a movement: How empowering one small business can change their world (and ours)

By Tommy Felts / February 19, 2025

Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Brandon Calloway is CEO and Co-Founder of Generating Income For Tomorrow (G.I.F.T.), and now writes a weekly blog, The Equity Advocate. [divide] The racial wealth gap in America isn’t just a statistic; it’s a reality that has defined the lives and limited the…

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Prospect KC earns $10K grant from Jacques Pépin Foundation as Gumbo Fest set to return

By Tommy Felts / February 19, 2025

A newly announced grant will be pivotal to advance The Prospect KC’s mission to empower lives, disrupt poverty, and cultivate community through culinary education, said chef and founder Shanita McAfee-Bryant. The $10,000 grant from The Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) is one of 16 recently awarded to organizations that use culinary arts to enhance lives and…

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Meet KCSourceLink’s trio of ‘navigators’ now embedded in KC business support hubs

By Tommy Felts / February 19, 2025

A new initiative from KCSourceLink that places three experienced business leaders in strategic locations across Kansas City will help aspiring entrepreneurs better connect with the resources and answers they need to start and grow businesses and side hustles, said Becca Castro. “KCSourceLink is making it easier than ever for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners…

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Lawmakers redeploy bill to boost veterans as entrepreneurs; targeting easier access to capital, credit

By Tommy Felts / February 18, 2025

Bipartisan legislation to help veteran small business owners and entrepreneurs overcome barriers on the home front is back in Congress, with backing from two area lawmakers who say the time is now to get resources to those who served. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, introduced the Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans (SERV) Act alongside…

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