Minority-Led

Attic with global ambitions: Luxury brand builds from humble origins to Material Opulence

By Tommy Felts / August 19, 2025

Renauld Shelton II sees power stitched into the seams of fashion, the Kansas City designer said, detailing the dynamic pairing of apparel and pride that grounds his luxury clothing brand. “It’s a confidence builder. When you look good, you feel good,” said Shelton, founder and CEO of Material Opulence. “It sets you up for success.”…

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‘Troost is not scary’: Kansas City equity walk highlights Black business revival

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2025

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by The Beacon, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story from The Beacon, an online news outlet focused on local, in-depth journalism in the public interest.…

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NXTUS expands enterprise-focused program beyond Kansas; four KC-area startups selected

By Tommy Felts / August 13, 2025

WICHITA, Kan. — An ongoing initiative to demystify the relationship-building process between emerging entrepreneurs and potential enterprise partners just expanded deeper into the Midwest, welcoming 20 growth-minded innovators from Wichita to St. Louis. “For entrepreneurs whose success depends on forging relationships with ‘the big guys,’ this unique program is so valuable,” said Mary Beth Jarvis, president…

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Advocates push Latino entrepreneurs to urgent action in the face of ‘innovation churn,’ civil rights challenges

By Tommy Felts / August 8, 2025

Latino entrepreneurs are a powerful force in America’s economy, leaders emphasized Thursday from the UnidosUS stage, but systemic barriers continue to keep many from achieving financial freedom, they lamented. “Our superpower is an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Ruby Azurdia-Lee, president and CEO of Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio (CLUES), speaking during the UnidosUS Annual Conference’s closing…

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How these KC pitmasters are smoking barbecue’s gender stereotypes

By Tommy Felts / August 7, 2025

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. [divide] Veronica Scroggins of Scott’s Kitchen is the latest on a short list…

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