Minority-Led

C2FO awards grants to three KC nonprofits boosting Black entrepreneurs with intention

By Tommy Felts / September 19, 2023

A new grants program developed by one of Kansas City’s biggest scaleups was founded with a clear purpose, said Jay Lott, announcing the effort’s first three nonprofit recipients and touting C2FO’s ongoing commitment to community engagement within the Kansas City region. “We want to support the nonprofit organizations that are focused on intentionally elevating Black…

KC nonprofit wants to change the face of tech (without leaving its students in debt)

By Tommy Felts / September 19, 2023

Editor’s note: The following story was sponsored by Resiliency at Work 2.0 Career and Technical Education, a Kansas City-based organization focused on creating and increasing equitable opportunities through education and training for careers in the technically skilled workforce. Dr. Joy Vann-Hamilton set out to close the diversity gap in the tech workforce; her work through…

Plaza retailers concerned for employee safety after recent shootings, upticks in thefts, harassment at iconic KC shopping district

By Tommy Felts / September 8, 2023

No business owner should have to deal with ongoing incidents that threaten the safety of their employees and customers, Tyler Enders shared, but that’s the reality for some entrepreneurs on Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza. Employees at Made in KC’s marketplace location on the Plaza were closing up for the night Sept. 2 — the…

From childhood friend to Chief’s personal chef: ‘Whatever he’s feeding me is keeping me young,’ says Travis Kelce

By Tommy Felts / September 7, 2023

Kumar Ferguson has a meaty behind-the-scenes role in the Kansas City Chiefs coming season: fueling professional athletes, the personal chef to Travis Kelce shared. Since 2016, Ferguson’s full-time job is to worry about what’s for dinner, so Kansas City Chiefs tight end Kelce doesn’t have to. He prepares three fresh meals a day, so his…

Access all in one room: KC Black Owned bringing Black business summit to KC Convention Center

By Tommy Felts / September 7, 2023

It’s easy to get caught up in the daily hustle and forget to step back and reflect when building a business, said Chelsey M., announcing a fall summit meant to help minority entrepreneurs strategically gain insights, network, and plan for growth and success. The Infinity & Beyond Black Business Summit — set for Oct. 7 at…