Startups

Milad Ghasempour and Jannae Gammage, The Market Base

Top young startups, makers, woman-owned companies vie for ‘Emerging Business’ honors

By Tommy Felts / June 1, 2021

More than a dozen startups and small businesses are now finalists for the Kansas City chamber’s Emerging Business Award, vying for recognition amid a field of promising homegrown contenders. Among them: two of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2021, a handful of young businesses recently profiled by the publication for showing their…

Read More >

Mr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award

By Tommy Felts / May 28, 2021

Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award. The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a…

Read More >
Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich, co-founders of Swell Spark, on an April biking trip in Utah

Why Swell Spark founders needed a business breakup to keep the startup (and their friendship) moving forward

By Tommy Felts / May 28, 2021

Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich pedalled 100 miles over Utah’s rocky terrain as a milestone marker in the duo’s relationship — exiting a business partnership and riding ahead on a tight, decades-long friendship, Baysinger shared.  “You hear time and time again that you shouldn’t go into business with your friends,” said Baysinger, who in October…

Read More >
A.J. Mellott and Heather Decker, Ronawk

Olathe startup set to launch STEM training facility; plans to create 150 jobs over next seven years

By Tommy Felts / May 25, 2021

Starting as two scientists with an idea to solve slow and costly cell production, Ronawk has now blossomed into a rapidly growing startup with an increasing demand for its work, said A.J. Mellott. “We quickly realized that Ronawk was going to need a lot of talent to meet the demand of its products,” said Mellott,…

Read More >
The Next Paige Agency

Talent agency plans Next Paige in Kansas City’s story; a $50K grant could bring dream closer to reality

By Tommy Felts / May 25, 2021

A shift in the arts and entertainment world is allowing Kansas City creatives to step into roles they’ve long deserved, Elaina Paige Thomas said, looking back on a performance career — and new opportunities — that reflect childhood dreams dancing toward reality. “It has been a journey and I never imagined being here this quickly,…

Read More >