News

Marissa Gencarelli, Yoli Tortilleria

How Yoli Tortilleria’s co-founder went full-time, launched a new zine to showcase Mexican culture

By Tommy Felts / July 22, 2021

Kansas Citians should get ready for a bold taste of culture, Marissa Gencarelli said, teasing the release of a new mini publication inspired by her rapidly scaling business and its mission to bring a bit of authentic Mexico to the metro. “I posted a picture on Instagram and someone [asked] me if I had ever…

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Wesley Elder, The Jump

How a van life competition, web series could prove Grandview-founded startup’s revenue model

By Tommy Felts / July 20, 2021

Social media platforms don’t need to rely on advertisements and algorithms to generate revenue, Wesley Elder said — instead they can partner with brands and creators to create unique and authentic experiences.  The Jump, a Grandview-based social media platform focused on creating a positive space where users can bond over common interests, has kept its…

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2000 Vine Street project

KC’s first Black-owned brewery reveals future home: Historic redevelopment project on Vine Street

By Tommy Felts / July 20, 2021

A piece of Kansas City history — now an in-the-works east side business development near one of the city’s famed entertainment districts — is expected to be the home of KC’s first Black-owned brewery, Kemet Coleman confirmed Monday. “The cat’s out of the bag,” said Coleman, revealing plans for the soon-to-debut Vine Street Brewing company to…

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Michael Thurman, Cutter Fleet

Making home haircuts fresh again: KC barber reimagines barbershops with mobile service, app

By Tommy Felts / July 20, 2021

Michael Thurman had a 1-year-old child at home and another baby on the way when COVID-19’s outset left him without work for eight weeks, he shared. Contemplating how he could have more freedom and stability as a barber, the wheels began turning beneath Thurman’s scalp. His idea: create a traveling barber platform — now known as…

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Sean Null, Erkios Systems, right, with Austin Barnes, Startland News, and Carlanda McKinney, Raaxo; Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City 2018

GEW event series set for 7-day, hybrid return; now accepting presenter submissions 

By Tommy Felts / July 19, 2021

Global Entrepreneurship Week Kansas City, the metro’s largest annual celebration of entrepreneurship, is seeking event submissions from the community to help aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners build their operations and be more resilient for the future. “Even though pandemic restrictions are over, we know the struggle to keep doors open is very real,…

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