Minority-Led

Catalyst Fund tops $2M invested in nonprofits boosting people of color; meet the latest grantees

By Tommy Felts / July 10, 2024

The latest batch of Catalyst Fund grants — a combined $500,000 across nearly two dozen organizations — seeks to elevate the work of small nonprofits that are led by or primarily serve Black, Latino, and other people of color across the region, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace. “Looking across the list of organizations in this third…

Just funded: Meet the newest Digital Sandbox KC startups (and see what they’re building now)

By Tommy Felts / July 9, 2024

Digital Sandbox KC this week announced five new startups joining its program that will receive crucial support, mentorship and up to $20,000 in project funding to accelerate their innovative projects.  “We are delighted to bring these cutting-edge startups into the Sandbox, connecting them with the necessary support and resources to advance their innovative projects,” said…

Lawmaker lauds historic significance of minority chambers’ Ward Parkway collaboration, address

By Tommy Felts / June 27, 2024

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. The tony address is not lost on anyone. Ward Parkway, symbolic of Kansas…

The village is real; it’s me; it’s you: Family of support at the heart of successful women entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / June 26, 2024

Wendy Doyle’s mother — herself an entrepreneur — instilled in her daughter a belief that women have a responsibility to boost their sisters in the world of business, the United WE leader said. “I watched her support other women owned businesses, women in need, and encourage women to run for elected office and even help…

How Kelly Clarkson’s well-timed Father’s Day gift boosted a KC entrepreneur’s nonprofit

By Tommy Felts / June 22, 2024

Life’s recent whirlwind initially shocked James Hogue — the newly-minted “rad dad” who earned a shoutout (and a couple thousand dollars) on the Father’s Day edition of Kelly Clarkson’s hit daytime talk show. “My first thought was, ‘Is this really happening?’” the Kansas City dad and certified doula said. The founder of Fathers Assisting Mothers…