News

New home on Ward Parkway: $4M minority chamber project brings Black, Brown entrepreneurs under one banner

By Tommy Felts / March 5, 2024

A history-making project on Ward Parkway — said to be the first minority-owned property on the storied Kansas City thoroughfare — already is demonstrating the power of unity amid divisive times, said Kim Randolph. Unveiled to the public Saturday, the new Minority Chamber of Commerce Development Center at 9100 Ward Parkway is now home to both…

Founder earns Pipeline’s ‘best pitch,’ says network’s lifelong support is the real award

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2024

Pipeline judges announced Megan O’Rear had the best pitch Thursday, but the Celerity Enterprises founder was left momentarily speechless when they named her winner of the group’s annual showcase and competition. “It just validates coming back to Kansas City,” said O’Rear, who also serves as the startup’s CEO. “Pipeline wants to help everybody that they…

KC Chamber’s Superstars celebration empowers everyday small business heroes 

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2024

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. The Blueprint KC has come a long way, said Sheraz Pompey, emphasizing the meaningful impact of being showcased as one of the KC Chamber’s Small Business Superstars.…

Davids’ effort to level the playing field for Native entrepreneurs passes US House, moving to Senate

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2024

Legislation meant to address entrepreneurship challenges specific to Native and tribal business owners advanced in the U.S. Congress this week, with a Kansas City lawmaker championing the effort to bring equity to an overlooked corner of the small business community. “In Indian Country, Native-owned businesses employ over 300,000 Americans and are vital drivers of our…

KC Tech Council launches initiative for young women in tech, backed by Meta, Panasonic

By Tommy Felts / February 29, 2024

A new strategic program from the KC Tech Council is designed to empower and equip female-identifying students entering their junior (class of 2026) and senior (class of 2025) years of high school with tech exposure, career guidance, leadership opportunities, and invaluable mentorship. The LEGiT KC program (Leadership and Empowerment for Girls in Tech), sponsored by…