News

President Biden signs the American Rescue Plan March 11, alongside Vice President Kamala Harris

Kauffman Foundation: $1.9T relief plan signed by Biden a ‘significant step,’ but challenges linger beyond bill’s scope

By Tommy Felts / March 11, 2021

Editor’s note: The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is a financial sponsor of Startland News. One of the nation’s premier advocates for entrepreneurs and small businesses on Thursday lauded the passage and signing of a massive COVID relief bill — which it said signals a step toward closing gaps in access to a more prosperous life.…

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Alec Rodgers Betty Rae's Ice Cream

Why Betty Rae’s new owner traded a finance career for waffle cones; ice cream shop reopens Monday

By Tommy Felts / March 11, 2021

Reopening Betty Rae’s Ice Cream could prove as risky for Alec Rodgers’ waistline as his wallet, the 23-year-old employee-turned-owner jokingly suggested — smiling as he looked across the River Market shop with a mix of nostalgia and youthful exuberance. His eyes lit up as he recalled the rich memory of discovering his own favorite flavor:…

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Back to Baltimore: Why Brandon Love is eager to show his hometown how KC transformed him — and his scented wax brand

By Tommy Felts / March 9, 2021

Six years after moving to Kansas City to build his brand, Crumble Co., Brandon Love is changing directions — both in his business model and in his physical location, he said.  “I miss my family,” Love shared, noting that he is moving home to Baltimore. “I think with COVID, I’ve realized the importance of connection.…

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Lisa Peña, Urban Hikes KC

Outside routine: KCK native’s Urban Hikes reveal unseen Kansas City hidden in plain sight

By Tommy Felts / March 9, 2021

Traditional paths aren’t for Lisa Peña — and her latest business venture (or adventure) is proof, aiming to show Kansas Citians on both sides of the state line an unfiltered version of two cities they might think they already know.  “It really perpetuates getting to know your city more,” Peña, founder of Urban Hikes KC, said…

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Justin Davis, BacklotCars

Want the next $425M exit? Be ‘ruthless’ with your time (and cap table), BacklotCars co-founder says

By Tommy Felts / March 9, 2021

In the years leading up to BacklotCars’ historic exit, Justin Davis steered clear of the startup social scene — detouring instead into deep collaboration with capital and automotive industry partners, he said. “As a startup, getting connected is great, but you have to be ruthless in your execution,” the BacklotCars co-founder told ACG Kansas City’s…

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