News

ATHENA honorees: Lifting up the next generation elevates us all; give them a reason to dream

By Tommy Felts / October 1, 2025

When women lead, communities rise, Dana Foote said, lifting up two ATHENA award winners whose work in Kansas City has created outcomes more meaningful than mere professional success: “the ripple effect of leadership.” “And I see that in the room tonight,” continued Foote, national managing partner of audit operations for KPMG, sponsor of the Greater…

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Photos: Folklore transformed this rooftop for one-night; its $100K impact on small biz lasts even longer

By Tommy Felts / October 1, 2025

A packed rooftop event that started five years ago as a small gathering among friends has grown into a sold-out celebration that not only highlights music, food, and tradition, but also invests back into local nonprofits and entrepreneurs, said Luis Padilla, founder of Folklore and its popular small business grant program. “That balance of culture…

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Fresh in the tin: Crossroads cafe targets TikTok generation for laid-back canned seafood cuisine

By Tommy Felts / October 1, 2025

A new venue specializing in “sangria, tins and snacks” pairs viral tastes with inspiration from a classic culinary voice, said longtime Kansas City restaurateur Shawn McClenny, whose Crossroads “taverna” is expected to open by mid-November. “It will be more of a Spanish cafe, very informal, no reservations,” said McClenny, describing the future Lilico’s Taverna slated…

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Lula bets on responsible growth to hit profitability; why the startup’s most valuable property is room to scale

By Tommy Felts / October 1, 2025

Lula opened 2025 by announcing a hefty funding round; the momentum has only continued to build, founder Bo Lais shared. On top of its $28 million Series A round in early February, the Kansas City-based proptech startup expanded to more than 50 markets nationwide and had eight straight months of record gross merchandise value and…

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World Cup hosts launch KC Game Plan for entrepreneurs; heat map, cultural insights on global visitors warming up next

By Tommy Felts / September 30, 2025

Kansas City boasts no better roster of ambassadors than the region’s small business owners, said Tracy Whelpley, announcing a new KC2026 “Game Plan” for entrepreneurs who are eager to put cleats to streets ahead of the incoming FIFA World Cup. “There’s so many entrepreneurial people out there and they really represent what our community is…

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