Minority-Led

KC Chamber’s Superstars celebration empowers everyday small business heroes 

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2024

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. The Blueprint KC has come a long way, said Sheraz Pompey, emphasizing the meaningful impact of being showcased as one of the KC Chamber’s Small Business Superstars.…

Davids’ effort to level the playing field for Native entrepreneurs passes US House, moving to Senate

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2024

Legislation meant to address entrepreneurship challenges specific to Native and tribal business owners advanced in the U.S. Congress this week, with a Kansas City lawmaker championing the effort to bring equity to an overlooked corner of the small business community. “In Indian Country, Native-owned businesses employ over 300,000 Americans and are vital drivers of our…

Troost entrepreneurs laying cornerstones of east side’s emerging restaurant row

By Tommy Felts / February 28, 2024

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the KC 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. Chris Goode took a chance on his old neighborhood. He opened Ruby Jean’s Kitchen &…

NMotion invests $100K in AI storytelling startup’s next chapter; KC founder flexes momentum 

By Tommy Felts / February 21, 2024

A $100,000 investment by a leading regional accelerator is expected to expand the capabilities and reach of a Kansas City AI storytelling startup — establishing Overland Park-based Storytailor as a well-known brand for children worldwide, founder JQ Sirls said.  The NMotion Accelerator on Wednesday announced six new companies selected for its cohort, which is powered…

KC gets its first pro pickleball team; Why a staunch tennis purist put down his racket for a paddle

By Tommy Felts / February 20, 2024

Pickleball has given former professional tennis player Daryl Wyatt a new lease on life, he shared, and now he’s hoping to ace Kansas City’s serve into next-level pickleball. The Kansas City Stingers — one of six U.S. expansion teams — is joining the National Pickleball League in 2024, under the ownership group of partners Julie…