News

EDCKC selects 2019 Cornerstone Awards finalists; May celebration to honor Emanuel Cleaver

By Tommy Felts / March 4, 2019

Innovators and leaders in new construction, redevelopment, capital investments, job creation and expansion projects in Kansas City, Missouri, are set to be honored in late May at the 2019 Cornerstone Awards. The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri, (EDCKC) announced 22 finalists for the honors today. “The Cornerstone Awards are a chance to take…

KC Rising update: Kansas City falling short in economic race with peer markets

By Tommy Felts / March 3, 2019

Bill Gautreaux sounded the alarm with a mixed refrain meant as a KC Rising call to action: “We’re good, but we’re not good enough.” Throughout a recent KC Rising update on the region’s economic growth, Gautreaux and other KC Rising leaders championed Kansas City’s efforts to move the needle, while also lamenting the slow speed…

Startup advocates rally, demand KCMO invest more of its $1.73B budget in entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / March 3, 2019

If Kansas City leaders want to build a stronger community, they should start by supporting early stage entrepreneurs, said Lesa Mitchell. “I’m simply here to say — we’re not spending enough money … and we need to look at it,” Mitchell, managing director of Techstars Kansas City, told KCMO city council members Saturday during a public…

Edison Spaces selects two startups for its inaugural Jumpstart office space giveaway

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2019

The first fruit to bare in an effort of ecosystem elevation, two Kansas City startups have received a jumpstart — courtesy of Edison Spaces, the flexible office space provider announced Friday. “Ultimately, we know the challenges entrepreneurs face when starting a business, because we ourselves faced these challenges,” said Matt Druten, Edison Spaces CEO. A barrier…

A dating app for founders? Hotspots overhead? KCMO mayoral candidates pair up to pitch startup solutions

By Tommy Felts / March 1, 2019

Bridging the digital divide in Kansas City is simple: Put WiFi hotspots in the trees, quipped Steve Miller, while pitching startup ideas — formed through on-the-spot brainstorming — to a crowd of entrepreneurs. “I love this tree idea … It’s very unique,” laughed fellow Kansas City, Missouri, mayoral candidate and equally off-the-cuff Alissia Canady, Tuesday…