News

Brewery, taproom taking root in former JoCo Macy’s amid neighborhood transformation

By Tommy Felts / September 8, 2025

An Iowa-based brewer — lauded for igniting economic growth and vibrancy in the communities where it plants its taprooms — announced plans Monday to expand its Big Grove brand into Prairie Village, projecting a fall 2026 opening within a long-dormant retail space in Johnson County. Dirt already is moving outside the former Macy’s department store…

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Goodwill merger pushes expansion plans, KC’s new adult high school to the front of the store, leader says

By Tommy Felts / September 5, 2025

Consolidating operations between offices in Kansas City in St. Louis not only will produce one of the largest Goodwill footprints in the nation, said Mike Sinnett; the move is expected to bolster efforts to add more retail stores and deepen initiatives like the soon-to-open Excel Center at Bannister Road. Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern…

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LISTEN: Biotech founder breaks down how she turns microorganisms into high-quality protein in just 24 hours

By Tommy Felts / September 5, 2025

On this episode of Startland News’ Plug and Play Topeka founder podcast series, we explore a ground-breaking food innovation with Katelijne “Kate” Bekers, co-founder and CEO of MicroHarvest. This biotech startup is pioneering the world’s fastest protein production — turning microorganisms into high-quality protein in just 24 hours, using sustainable fermentation and agricultural side-streams, while…

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From ravioli to revenue: How Pasta La Fata became a fresh pasta powerhouse in mid-Missouri

By Tommy Felts / September 5, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. COLUMBIA, Mo. — Michelle “Shelly” La Fata built Pasta La Fata with…

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KC startups graduate K-State accelerator, earning equity-free cash, greater conviction

By Tommy Felts / September 4, 2025

A trio of Kansas City-built ventures — from sports apparel and mental health solutions for young athletes to tech that uses autonomous drones and 3D vision AI — were among the Kansas businesses earning funding through an eight-week accelerator at Kansas State University. The Center for Entrepreneurship Accelerator program at K-State — which provides participants…

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