News

KC startup on a mission to show women’s health is more than a niche; a nationwide advocate could help

By Tommy Felts / January 18, 2024

A women-led Kansas City health startup is among 10 companies chosen for a new innovation cohort from Springboard Enterprises, which made a name for itself locally in recent years through its popular Dolphin Tank pitch showcases. Marma was selected for the Springboard program — a comprehensive entrepreneurial bootcamp and an expansive workshop series — because the…

Her fund targets investments for women of color; why this VC is fighting a lawsuit that would curb equity-focused funding 

By Tommy Felts / January 18, 2024

The fight for equity — especially among Black and brown entrepreneurs — isn’t easily won, said Ayana Parsons, likening the setback-laden struggle to a boxing match that seemingly never ends. “There are many rounds,” Parsons recently told a Kansas City crowd gathered at Burns & McDonnell’s campus for an event to honor diverse legacies. Parsons’…

West Coast health tech company bringing dozens of jobs to new River Market headquarters in KC

By Tommy Felts / January 18, 2024

A West Coast health tech startup’s relocation to Kansas City is expected to give the company direct access to key clients in the region — as well as creating 35 high-paying jobs, representing more than $3 million in annual payroll, regional officials announced Thursday. Orange County, California-based Hart, Inc. plans to transition its operations to new…

$100K in federal funds take stage at Kansas City theater forced to relocate because of COVID

By Tommy Felts / January 13, 2024

Challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact the arts, said Evie Craig, whose organization was forced to relocate because of an unexpected revenue drop caused by the global health crisis. A recently announced $100,000 in American Rescue Plan grant funding from the Entertainment Industry Grant Program administered by the State of Missouri Department of…

KC Restaurant Week breaks down silos between diners, Kansas City’s chef-driven food scene

By Tommy Felts / January 13, 2024

One of Johnson County’s favorite destination culinary experiences is back on the menu for Kansas City Restaurant Week, a 10-day showcase of innovative tastes from kitchens across the metro. “It helps the food industry,” said Laura Favela, executive chef at Silo Modern Farmhouse, said of the highly-anticipated, post-holidays event series. “The second goal is to…