News

Inspiration took him to a dark space; why ‘Macbeth KC’ creator wants to trap audiences in a world with no heroes

By Tommy Felts / July 1, 2025

An immersive experience set in a post-apocalyptic world — the brainchild of Kansas City artist and designer Keyon Monte — transforms an iconic Shakespearean tragedy into a warped, high-fashion human drama staged within a downtown coworking space. “Macbeth KC” removes the polish and distance often seen in adaptations of William Shakespeare’s works, said Monte, describing…

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Game on: Kauffman adds 37 nonprofits to its just-funded roster, building impact capacity ahead of World Cup

By Tommy Felts / July 1, 2025

Efforts to boost economic mobility across Kansas City and beyond needn’t follow a well-worn playbook, Kauffman Foundation officials said, announcing a range of newly funded initiatives — from grassroots entrepreneurial training to World Cup-focused public-private partnerships to capital access expansion. The influential philanthropic organization announced this week it awarded $8.5 million in grants to 37…

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Fund Me, KC: Portrayals XR crowdfunds next step in building its immersive healing space

By Tommy Felts / July 1, 2025

Startland News is continuing its long-running “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 Tricia Keightley and her immersive healing platform — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from…

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Entrepreneur turns to Missouri elderberries to unlock treatment alternative, wellness brand

By Tommy Felts / June 28, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. ST. LOUIS — As a mother frustrated by years of…

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Coming home to KC: Brandon Haggard is sharpening his axe with humility

By Tommy Felts / June 27, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story. For Brandon Haggard, returning to the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC) wasn’t just a career decision. It was a commitment — to impact, Kansas City, and building…

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