News

Crowdfunding platform for small businesses launches local hub for KC entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / February 8, 2024

Editor’s note: KC BizCare is a partner of Startland News. A newly announced partnership with the international non-profit Kiva is expected to boost Kansas City entrepreneurs who have had difficulties securing traditional bank loans — offering access to social underwriting and affordable starting capital. Kiva Kansas City (Kiva KC), a crowdfunded microloan program for small businesses,…

Digital Sandbox KC secures $450K to support startups’ prototyping, proof-of-concept needs

By Tommy Felts / February 8, 2024

As Digital Sandbox KC marks its 10th year in 2024, the popular funding program — and a key marker of emerging success for young tech startups in Kansas City — has earned a new round of financial backing from the State of Missouri. Spread over three years, a $450,000 MOBEC (Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity) project grant…

Mayor: ‘KC is on fire’ (and the city needs to keep turning up the heat); Lucas urges investment ahead of World Cup, major events

By Tommy Felts / February 8, 2024

Kansas City, Missouri, is its strongest fiscal position ever, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, emphasizing the city’s potential to capitalize on that economic stability — coupled with headline-grabbing national attention thanks to the Chiefs — to tackle a range of concerns facing entrepreneurs and workers. Opportunities for investment, growth, redevelopment and crime prevention for small businesses are…

Looking for the right exit? Driven founders first must know their startup’s destination

By Tommy Felts / February 7, 2024

Setting an exit goal early is crucial when founding a startup, shared Robert Zhou, a Kansas City serial entrepreneur-turned-angel investor. “Every startup I mentor, I ask the founder this from Day 1: ‘What’s your goal?’” he explained. “‘Are you trying to build a business that you ultimately sell for $10 million? Is it $1 million?…

Digital Health KC awarded $311K grant with goal to add 70+ jobs, $6M+ in wages across region

By Tommy Felts / February 7, 2024

Newly announced funding from the Missouri Technology Corporation is expected to boost a regional initiative that aims to open greater access to critical capital and partnerships for Kansas City area companies in a rapidly emerging industry. BioNexus KC — a catalyst for innovation in animal and human health — has received a $311,000 MOBEC (Missouri…