Minority-Led

Bo Lings owners adapt to lifestyle trends with new fast casual concept in River Market 

By Tommy Felts / January 24, 2024

A new City Market dining option from the couple behind the Bo Lings restaurant chain is serving up fast casual Chinese dishes with authentic flavors and familiar tastes, said Richard Ng. “It’s a new concept, and we hope it takes off,” said Ng, co-owner of Bo’s Kitchen at 108 E. 5th St. in the River…

Start from the top: How these newsmakers forged companies to watch (Event Photos) 

By Tommy Felts / January 22, 2024

Maybe it was an open opportunity in a market that couldn’t be ignored. Perhaps a calling to do something bigger than themselves. Or, for some, just a transparent bid to find profit in a world of problems waiting to be solved. Each of Startland News’ 10 Kansas City Startups to Watch launched with a motivation…

WeCode KC, CAPA selected for free services from this Top 10 KC small business winner

By Tommy Felts / January 18, 2024

A company lauded among Kansas City’s top small businesses for three consecutive years this week announced the nonprofit recipients of $100,000 in pro-bono marketing services through a first-time expansion of its annual Crux for a Cause initiative. WeCode KC and Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) will each receive marketing investments of $50,000 for 2024, said…

Her fund targets investments for women of color; why this VC is fighting a lawsuit that would curb equity-focused funding 

By Tommy Felts / January 18, 2024

The fight for equity — especially among Black and brown entrepreneurs — isn’t easily won, said Ayana Parsons, likening the setback-laden struggle to a boxing match that seemingly never ends. “There are many rounds,” Parsons recently told a Kansas City crowd gathered at Burns & McDonnell’s campus for an event to honor diverse legacies. Parsons’…

Style on standby: How an 18th & Vine barber shop is turning heads inside KC’s airport

By Tommy Felts / January 12, 2024

Armon Lasker’s barber shop inside security at the new Kansas City airport terminal flies a cut above the rest, said the former information technology professional-turned-entrepreneur. His spot — Director’s Cut: Take Two — allows travelers to conveniently get a haircut and other services before or after their flights. “This is the first one like this,” said…