Minority-Led

Empowered belonging: KC Chamber celebrates inclusive workforce efforts with diversity honors

By Tommy Felts / July 26, 2023

Diversity is a strength; equity is the objective; and inclusion is the path that unites individuals together, said Amy Lee Sewell. The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce awarded Lockton Companies its 2023 Champion of Diversity award at the annual POWER of Diversity Breakfast. The event brings together the region’s diverse business community to celebrate…

One of KC’s hottest smashburgers is at this all-natural wine bar; how Big Mood uncorked its potential with popup food, live music 

By Tommy Felts / July 25, 2023

Kansas City’s first all natural wine shop has evolved into more than simply a place to buy wine, said Richard Garcia; Big Mood Natural Wines now is the go-to spot for food, drinks, live entertainment and community. “Big Mood has morphed organically over the past few years into what it is now. When we first…

ScaleUP! KC touts revenue success stories as latest small biz cohort opens applications

By Tommy Felts / July 19, 2023

Growth outcomes don’t always follow entrepreneurs’ graduation from ScaleUP! KC — sometimes they come before the game-changing, no-cost program is even complete, its leaders said. Rickey Leathers made significant strides in his business, Savvy Salon — co-owned with his wife, Lenora — while enrolled in the cohort, he said. “I successfully opened a second location…

A sneaky wink in each brutal piece: How one artist’s work paints his reality within a world of big, heavy events

By Tommy Felts / July 18, 2023

Emerging Kansas City contemporary artist Addison “A.L.” Parrish believes that to create a work of art, he must first observe and understand the world around him. “I feel like, as an artist, my main job isn’t necessarily painting,” Parrish said. “It’s seeing and being — not detached — but in a neutral state of observation.”…

Meet Kauffman’s new CEO: Foundation taps former diplomat, higher ed official to lead

By Tommy Felts / July 18, 2023

Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial sponsor of Startland News. A Kansas City native is poised to take leadership at one of the region’s most prominent nonprofit organizations tackling upward mobility and economic prosperity, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation announced Tuesday. Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace has been named Kauffman’s next president and…