Minority-Led

Bill to help ease veterans’ transition from military to business passes US House with KC leaders in the trenches

By Tommy Felts / December 1, 2023

A legislative effort to boost support for U.S. military veterans pursuing a new chapter as entrepreneurs now heads to the U.S. Senate — buoyed by broad partisan support and championed by two members of Kansas City’s congressional delegation. The Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans SERV Act successfully passed in the U.S. House of Representatives this…

Porter House KC earns $400K in renewed support for inclusive entrepreneurship, retail incubator 

By Tommy Felts / December 1, 2023

Support from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation is expected to help The Porter House KC make good on its founders’ promise to help emerging entrepreneurs in their community get their promising ventures off the ground, said Dan Smith. “Like many of the small business owners that we encounter, we started our organization based on a need…

Black Pantry expands to Troost, setting a cornerstone for new Black business hub 

By Tommy Felts / December 1, 2023

A second location for the Black Pantry is about more than adding a “cool little gift shop” to Troost, said Brian Roberts, detailing his plan for a broader mission: a whole block of Black-owned businesses and a hub for Black entrepreneurs and creatives. It begins with Roberts’ in-the-works standalone space at 3108 Troost Ave., he…

CRWND as a KC pitch contest winner, Keliah Smith expands her product line (and comfort zone)

By Tommy Felts / November 30, 2023

Keliah Smith was nervous. She’d never been a fan of speaking in front of a crowd, but knew exposing her discomfort and weakness through the Alchemy Sandbox pitch competition was just part of the ongoing journey of an entrepreneur, she said. Avoiding that spotlight, Smith noted, already had kept her — and her business, CRWND…

DeBruce integrates career toolbox into HBCU’s programming for Black and Brown entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / November 29, 2023

A new partnership between The DeBruce Foundation and Harris-Stowe State University showcases a shared goal of unlocking the potential within individuals and equipping them for bright careers and bright futures, said Leigh Anne Taylor Knight. “This is one of those relationships that reminds us that partnerships don’t need to be complicated,” said Taylor Knight, executive…