News

LISTEN: Meet the partners behind Plug and Play Topeka’s growth (and impact)

By Tommy Felts / October 10, 2025

On a special episode of Startland News’ 12-part podcast series diving deeper into Plug and Play, we explore how the Topeka-based program and its partners work to turn bold ideas into Kansas success stories. Guests includes Bret Lanz from Kansas State University’s Technology Development Institute; John G. Brown of StenCo; and Cole Ahlvers from NQV8…

Read More >

Pour decisions: Craft beverage enthusiasts add Sunday tasting event to KC’s pregame cart

By Tommy Felts / October 9, 2025

Kansas City’s roster of craft beverages — from rookies to veteran players on the scene — come to the field in a wide range of uniforms, said Jason Burton, noting there’s no better time to checkout the lineup with thirsty friends than as the Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium this weekend. The play: showcase Kansas…

Read More >

Back to the people: Social venture firm connects WyCo entrepreneurs with a human-centered toolkit

By Tommy Felts / October 9, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story is presented through a paid partnership with Network Kansas. [divide] An initiative built on collaboration with business boosters already embedded in urban communities is deepening Network Kansas’ impact, said Erik Pedersen, sharing how the strategy helps more readily connect entrepreneurs to available resources like loans and technical assistance. In Wyandotte…

Read More >

Great Jobs KC aims to impact 50,000 Kansas City scholars within a decade — one life at a time

By Tommy Felts / October 8, 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. [divide] Natalie Lewis is no stranger to complex work. As chief operating officer of Great Jobs KC, she oversees programs that connect thousands of Kansas Citians with scholarships, tuition-free job…

Read More >

Black Feast Week returns to feed restaurants new diners, combat hunger in Kansas City

By Tommy Felts / October 8, 2025

Opening Black Feast Week — designed to promote Black-owned restaurants, chefs, and culinary creativity — by feeding 150 single Black mothers for free was an intentional act of community care, said Joshua “JT” Taylor. “We’ve always tried to prioritize helping people who are most marginalized,” said Taylor, senior content producer and chief administrative officer at…

Read More >
[adinserter block="4"]