News

Kauffman Foundation announces first-ever semifinalists for Uncommon Leader Impact Award

By Tommy Felts / October 23, 2025

A new leadership prize aimed at celebrating changemakers at organizations aligned with the priorities of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is closer to naming its first winner, the influential nonprofit announced Wednesday, revealing 12 semifinalists culled from more than 300 nominations. “The response from community members across the Kansas City metro area was tremendous,” said…

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Main Street is already harnessing AI to build wealth; adoption now key to region’s growth, heartland leaders say

By Tommy Felts / October 22, 2025

WICHITA, Kan. — Artificial intelligence is likely to be one of the most transformative technologies of the digital era, said Taylor Eubanks, noting that AI’s thoughtful deployment can be a tool for growth, not displacement.  “By engaging directly with entrepreneurs, small businesses, nonprofit leaders and local innovators, we can better support responsible AI adoption that…

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AlphaGraphics expansion boasts $1.4M investment, plans to create 16 new KC jobs

By Tommy Felts / October 21, 2025

A production crew known for eye-catching, colorful designs splashed across Kansas City — including its own East Crossroads headquarters — is expanding its physical and human footprint, marking a key investment in the metro’s growing creative and professional services sector, local leaders said.  AlphaGraphics on Tuesday announced an investment of more than $1.4 million and…

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Arch Grants taps homegrown founders, Missouri startup recruits for $1.6M in awards

By Tommy Felts / October 20, 2025

ST. LOUIS — The Missouri maker behind a keychain designed to save lives from opioid overdoses is among nearly two dozen companies — together awarded $1.6 million — selected for the latest Arch Grants program. The innovation economy nonprofit on Thursday honored 19 startups, alongside three new members of its expanded Arch Grants Fellows Program.…

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LISTEN: Gripp helps farmers get a handle on multiple ag apps with dead-simple record keeping platform

By Tommy Felts / October 20, 2025

On this episode of our 12-part Plug and Play Topeka podcast series, we explore how agtech startup Gripp is bringing structure and simplicity to farm operations. Its helps farmers connect their teams, track equipment and assets, and turn everyday routines into shared knowledge. Having grown up on a Wisconsin farm, co-founder and CEO Tracey Wiedmeyer…

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