News

Digital Health KC earns $2M federal grant, doubled by matching funds from Kauffman Foundation

By Tommy Felts / November 14, 2023

Three weeks after Kansas City’s designation as a U.S. “Tech Hub,” the region has earned “tremendous funding to jumpstart KC’s digital health cluster,” said Maria Meyers, informally announcing a $2 million federal grant — matched by an award from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The Build to Scale grant was awarded to the University of…

Pitch competition at GEW Topeka puts $38K on the line for women, entrepreneurs of color

By Tommy Felts / November 14, 2023

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  TOPEKA — Building an equitable business community in Shawnee County is critical to economic development in and around the state’s capital city, said Glenda Washington. A pitch competition slated for…

KC lawmakers backing legislation to boost re-entry for veterans becoming entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / November 11, 2023

Veterans who return to the workforce as entrepreneurs face unique challenges when exiting full-time military life, said Brian Newton. A bipartisan push by two members of Kansas City’s delegation to the U.S. House could ease the transition for veterans-turned-small business owners. “My father was a career Marine and I served for a decade myself, with…

PayIt on board the Harriet II, Montgomery Zoo; new portal offers ticketing for popular local attractions

By Tommy Felts / November 10, 2023

A new digital platform designed by Kansas City-based PayIt not only provides improved interactions between residents of Montgomery, Alabama, and their local city government — the tool also offers ticket sales for some of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. PayIt — with headquarters in downtown Kansas City’s lightwell building — already boasts partnerships with…

These three KC startup founders are jumping into the Dolphin Tank, hoping to swim with the unicorns

By Tommy Felts / November 10, 2023

When the Dolphin Tank pitch showcase sinks its teeth into a market like Kansas City, the goal is to accelerate women-led tech companies to a national level, said Rachel Rong. “Our mission is to build out the ecosystem and support women entrepreneurs in Kansas City,” said Rong, the director of operations for Springboard Enterprises, which…