Minority-Led

Nearly $500K in renewed MTC funding for LaunchKC expected to empower early-stage tech startups for years 

By Tommy Felts / February 7, 2024

A popular entrepreneur support program is getting fresh funding from the State of Missouri to continue its competition for non-dilutive grants, along with offering winning companies office space, educational programs, and access to mentors. LaunchKC, the non-profit initiative founded by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, (EDCKC) and Downtown Council is set to…

‘We’re all in it together’: Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop wraps family flavors with team work ethic

By Tommy Felts / February 2, 2024

A staple of Kansas City’s emerging food scene for 27 years, Lulu’s Thai Noodle Shop’s growth and popularity wouldn’t have been possible without Malisa Monyakula’s team, the chef and owner said. “I’ve had amazing people working with me since the beginning; people continue to gravitate toward helping me with my vision,” said Monyakula from the…

Pipeline’s new cohorts show ‘power of diversity’; here’s who’s joining the elite entrepreneur network

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

Pipeline’s roster of high-growth Midwest entrepreneurs swelled Thursday as the premier fellowship network officially announced more than two dozen founders joining its 2024 Fellowship and Pathfinder Program. “The selected Fellows and Pathfinders represent the power and impact of diverse companies, leaders and regions being represented in a cohort,” said Vincent, executive director of Pipeline Entrepreneurs.…

Legislation to support Native American entrepreneurs could boost grants to tribes, Hawaiian natives

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

A bipartisan effort to strengthen and expand government-backed opportunities for Native American entrepreneurs got a boost this week, with legislation championed by a Kansas lawmaker advancing in the U.S. House. The Native American Entrepreneurial Opportunity Act — introduced by U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids, D-Kansas, and Eli Crane, R-Arizona — moved out of committee Wednesday, according…

New capital programs for KC small businesses unveiled, starting with micro-biz grants 

By Tommy Felts / February 1, 2024

Editor’s note: Kansas City’s KC BizCare Office and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation are financial supporters or partners of Startland News. A new collaborative effort aims to boost Kansas City’s small business and startup ecosystems by building greater capital readiness among entrepreneurs and increasing access to starting capital, said Tracey Lewis. The Economic Development Corporation…