Minority-Led

Fund Me, KC: Zanago founders seek support to close funding gap for real estate transparency platform

By Tommy Felts / June 26, 2023

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Louis Byrd and Arlene Byrd from the social impact tech company Zanago — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially…

Smart regulation required as digital assets, blockchain push innovation faster than ever, entrepreneur says

By Tommy Felts / June 26, 2023

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Jy Maze is CEO of Maze Freight Solutions and a ForbesNext1000 2021 Honoree. Kansas has seen much innovation over the past decade, but to continue that growth, we as a state need to look at new economic opportunities to drive business to our…

C2FO launches empowerment grants to boost Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / June 23, 2023

A new grant program from one of Kansas City’s most high profile scaleups is expected to empower — and help fund — three nonprofit organizations serving Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, said Jessie Fields. “We know small business owners, and especially diverse business owners, face so many challenges,” said Fields, director of talent development and DEI…

Pitch contest winners salute PHKC as fourth cohort wraps; $15K in prizes awarded to small businesses

By Tommy Felts / June 22, 2023

A winning night at The Porter House KC’s pitch event this week expands opportunity for more than just the company taking home the biggest check, said Taylor Burris. AI Hub — led by Burris and her husband, James Spikes — earned first place and $8,000 in the competition, which also marked the completion of PHKC’s…

These makers and vendors aren’t buying the scarcity mindset: ‘There’s a way for us all to eat’

By Tommy Felts / June 21, 2023

A new vendor fair aims to unite people from all corners of the city and promote collaboration among the local vendor community, said entrepreneur and event organizer Dontavious Young. “I see a lot of events in Kansas City that are geared toward a specific type of crowd, or a specific type of culture, or a…