News

Starting a small biz comes with struggle; this Topeka grants program helps cut the risk 

By Tommy Felts / February 24, 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. This series is possible thanks to Go Topeka, which seeks economic success for all companies and citizens across Shawnee County through implementation of an aggressive economic development strategy that capitalizes…

Opening day: Long-awaited halal food franchise arrives in KC with more locations on the menu

By Tommy Felts / February 24, 2023

Osama Hanif was as hungry for an opportunity to prove himself as he was to eat his favorite halal food in Kansas City, he said, reflecting on the years-long process to open an east coast franchise restaurant in the Midwest. “Once I had my first taste of growing a company, I knew I wanted to…

Amplified to scale: Superstars initiative shines brighter as Chamber widens spotlight (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / February 24, 2023

Editor’s note: The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce is a non-financial partner of Startland News, which serves as the media partner for the Small Business Superstars program. For the roughly 400 entrepreneurs who gathered Wednesday at lightwell, being a small business owner began to feel like something much bigger, said organizers of the KC…

Tamba Hali traded cleats for beats; former Chiefs linebacker’s latest music release runs from the field to the fine arts

By Tommy Felts / February 23, 2023

Tamba Hali spent his entire 12-year NFL career with Kansas City. Now — as an Afrobeat recording artist — the home of the Chiefs still factors heavily into his career. On Valentine’s Day (and two days after the Chiefs Super Bowl victory), the former Pro Bowl linebacker released his latest music video — “Fine O”…

Startup Weekend rebrands to draw MO innovators to central startup hub; capitalizing on billion-dollar success stories

By Tommy Felts / February 23, 2023

COLUMBIA, Missouri — In its second year, Startup Weekend is returning to Columbia but with a slightly upgraded look, said Brett Calhoun. Columbia Startup Weekend is now Missouri Startup Weekend with the intention to attract more individuals across the state, as well as reinforce Columbia, as an established startup hub. “We rebranded Startup Weekend so…