Minority-Led

Closing KCK’s Black-owned coffee shop opens opportunity for Kinship to brew bigger, owner says

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2025

When TJ Roberts posted on social media about closing Kinship Cafe, a Black-owned coffee shop in Kansas City’s Strawberry Hill neighborhood, he was surprised by the outpouring of support — a morale boost that not only gives him the spirit to keep fighting for the business, but expand it, he said. “When we posted about…

Meet six coalitions earning grants through Kauffman Foundation’s new ‘Collective Impact’ funding pathway

By Tommy Felts / January 31, 2025

Systemic change happens when communities come together to drive transformation through collaboration, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing a half-dozen grants to high-capacity organizations with strategies to close economic mobility gaps in the Kansas City region. The “Collective Impact” planning grants of up to $500,000 are awarded to the winning coalitions are the first piece of…

Superstars’ palette of impact dips into diverse industries: Here’s how a KC muralist creates his own economic progress

By Tommy Felts / January 28, 2025

Each individual brush stroke plays a role in painting the broader picture of economic development in Kansas City, said Daniel Montoute, reflecting on how a single entrepreneur can impact the region within the collective blend of communities. “As a small business rooted in the heart of Kansas City, we are proud to contribute to the…

Down for donuts: How this team is sweetening Chiefs’ Super Bowl sugar rush with Mr. D’s(fense)

By Tommy Felts / January 28, 2025

Another return trip to the Super Bowl has Kansas City small businesses joining the Chiefs as behind-the-scenes special teams fueling the Kingdom. For entrepreneur Johnny Chen, the mere taste of victory just a few years ago has multiplied into a box-full of opportunities. “The Chiefs’ success has impacted our sales tremendously,” said Chen, co-owner of…

How ’bout those cheeeeeese mochis? Korean chicken spot gets into the game with its own head-turning plays

By Tommy Felts / January 25, 2025

After their decade of conversation got old, three lifelong friends finally achieved their dream of opening a restaurant together, Kue-Jin Hwang shared. Now they’re hoping to capture Chiefs’ fans’ hunger for a three-peat at their Overland Park restaurant. Hwang, Kyoungmin Kim, and Sung Jo — friends for more than 30 years (each represented in the…