News

Top 10 unfurled after banner year: KC Chamber narrows contenders for ‘Small Business of the Year’

By Tommy Felts / April 21, 2023

A half-dozen fresh-faced ventures — plus a few high-profile returning businesses — round out the Top 10 finalists for the KC Chamber’s 2023 Small Business of the Year award, announced publicly Friday during a social media rollout. “Small businesses drive KC’s economy, and we couldn’t be more excited for this year’s Top 10, and the…

Guy’s THC-infused potato chips hitting shelves soon; first bite of cannabis collaborations to come

By Tommy Felts / April 20, 2023

A months-long wait is over for fans of Guy’s Snacks — and recreational cannabis — as rumors of a THC-infused crossover officially take potato chip shape, just in time for Kansas City’s first 4/20 celebration since legalization. Franklin’s Stash House — a premier manufacturer of high-quality cannabis products and one of Startland News’ Kansas City…

Maker featured in NBC series says ‘death cleaning’ opened his eyes to grief without guilt

By Tommy Felts / April 19, 2023

Godfrey Riddle made it his mission to uplift others, the Kansas City social entrepreneur said, but when a new, high-profile Peacock series begins streaming next week, viewers will witness Riddle on the receiving end of that love and support. The Civic Saint founder is set to appear on an episode of “The Gentle Art of…

Raven’s return-to-earth science is complete, founder says; a new space accelerator will help get the KCK-built tech off the ground

By Tommy Felts / April 19, 2023

A KCK startup that could revolutionize space transportation is among 14 companies selected this week for an accelerator program from Amazon Web Services that focus on “transforming the future of space for all of humanity.” Kansas City-based Raven Space Systems — led by co-founders Ryan Cowdrey and Blake Herren — is building entirely 3D printed reentry…