Minority-Led

KC housing tech startup builds momentum, refines business model in Nashville accelerator

By Tommy Felts / May 28, 2024

As Shapree’ Marshall prepares her final pitch for Twendé 2024’s demo day in June, the Kansas City founder and Pipeline Pathfinder already is seeing results from the six-month Nashville-based program. Her startup, A Traveled Path Homes, was among 56 companies led by founders of color that were named to the Twendé cohort in January. The…

NMotion accelerates Its 100th startup with plans to invest $3 million in 30 more through 2026

By Tommy Felts / May 24, 2024

OMAHA — A Kansas City startup was among the six cohort members that pushed the NMotion Accelerator past its 100-company mark, showcasing its AI-infused storytelling platform this week alongside innovations from across the Midwest. NMotion powered by gener8tor on Tuesday celebrated the cohort — along with the impact from its $100,000 investments in each member —…

Jazz musician opens sell-out BBQ spot; here’s how he’s spicing up KC’s chorus of flavors

By Tommy Felts / May 24, 2024

Even with more than 90 barbecue restaurants across the metro, Gerald Dunn still figured there was room for his flavor profile on the Kansas City food scene.  But before opening Dunn Deal BBQ in Grandview, he made a pilgrimage of sorts, stopping in to see legendary Ollie Gates. He reveres the local barbecue pioneer and…

Thai Orchid opening in Northland: How this family business is getting out of its comfort zone with street food focus

By Tommy Felts / May 22, 2024

A second location for a longtime Johnson County restaurant is expected to honor the origin story of the family business — building on its menu with a new emphasis on casual Thai street food items and small plates. Thai Orchid — a Mission, Kansas, restaurant that has been in the Rojjanasrirat family for 26 years…

As TikTok legal fight plays out, Missouri creators and businesses brace for possible ban

By Tommy Felts / May 21, 2024

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. Like many others suffering from quarantine-induced boredom, Gabbie Wiggins first hopped on social…