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Darkmoon Comics

Fund Me, KC: ‘Black Spartans’ returns with supernatural new chapter, summer crowdfunding push

Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Brandon Calloway’s third installment of the “Black Spartans” series — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing…

Chris Goode, Ruby Jean's Juicery

Truth, not Troost: Ruby Jean’s founder wants East Side corridor renamed over slavery ties

Despite its widely-known street name, “Troost Avenue” does not accurately represent the small businesses, nonprofits and families along the increasingly dense Kansas City corridor, said Chris Goode. “So many beautiful efforts take place on Troost — from The Combine to Operation Breakthrough or Urban Cafe and Rockhurst University… We are all collectively pushing for community,…

Jamon Buford and Kyle J. Benson-Smith, Strong Start Make Readies, Determination, Incorporated

New focus will offer jobs to formerly incarcerated people on the path to second chance entrepreneurship, says nonprofit

Kansas City-based Determination, Incorporated is refocusing its mission with a new social enterprise business that will directly place formerly incarcerated individuals into employment soon after they return home. Strong Start Make Readies is expected to provide jobs to people exiting incarceration as members of make ready crews at Kansas City area apartment complexes, single-family rental…

Chef Charles D'Ablaing, J. Rieger

J. Rieger spices up its strategy with KC culinary star; new tastes already hitting destination distillery’s menu 

Deep fried and doubling down, the minds behind J. Rieger and Co. are distilling a new era that’s expected to make the local tourist destination one of Kansas City’s best places to work — and to grab one of its most legendary spicy chicken sandwiches.  “If you didn’t already know, you quickly come in here and…

Andrew Potter, RoKC; Jay Fleer, Mission Barbell Club; and Josie Buford, Folds of Honor Kansas City

Crush it, live hard and honor the 13 folds: Trio of KC gyms join intense challenge, salute sacrifice

Most Americans don’t know the true weight of these American flags — folded 13 times into a triangle and presented to a fallen service member or veteran’s next of kin, said Josie Buford. To better communicate the heavy burden they represent, she organized a physical challenge that’s uniting three Kansas City businesses. The 13 Folds…