News

UMKC pitch competition brings validating relief, cash prizes for emerging founders with big ideas

By Tommy Felts / April 13, 2024

A popular UMKC pitch competition awarded more than $80,000 in cash prizes to student and full-time entrepreneurs Friday — validating new ideas and emerging ventures alike.  “I never saw anything like this when I was in college,” said Dr. Brandy Archie, founder of AskSAMIE, who competed in a category especially for established startups at the University…

Showcase showdown: KC Chamber rallies ‘Mr. K competitors, but small biz owners say it feels more like family

By Tommy Felts / April 12, 2024

The husband-wife duo behind Kansas City-based Shark OFF appreciate the local entrepreneurial ecosystem so much that they actually list it as one of their startup’s co-founders, Geoff Geist shared. “We would not exist if it weren’t for this community,” said Geist, the co-founder and COO of Shark OFF, which offers shark repellent bracelets that are…

These ‘Urban Heroes’ are helping evolve downtown KC; here’s why they’re on the right path

By Tommy Felts / April 12, 2024

In a prelude to today’s celebration of downtown Kansas City’s evolution and momentum, four “urban heroes” were honored Thursday for their passionate work to make downtown a more vibrant place to live, work, and play, organizers said. Winners of the “Urban Hero Awards” ranged from honorees on the east side to the Crossroads and the…

Honey bunches of joy: How this Raytown bee farm landed its blooming business model

By Tommy Felts / April 11, 2024

Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Erik and Rachael Messner’s home on an acre in south Kansas City gave…

Startup Weekend winners could have a billion-dollar solution for struggling taxpayers

By Tommy Felts / April 11, 2024

Organizers of Missouri Startup Weekend predicted this year’s winner could be poised to be the competition’s next billion-dollar alumni. Solvtax presented the weekend’s winning pitch: a solution for avoiding financial implications through better business and personal property tax management. The idea struck a chord with entrepreneurs, founders, and CEOs in both the audience and judge’s…