Startups

Erin Bopp, Lightwork DJ Mobilverse

16 winners: Micro-grant competition debuts with $30K in prizes to entrepreneurs who ‘need funds the most’

By Tommy Felts / May 11, 2020

Not all early-stage entrepreneurs and small businesses qualify for federal disaster loans, prompting an even greater need for programs like the new Dare to Venture Micro-Grant Competition, according to the Urban Business Growth Initiative. “At a critical time when small businesses need funds the most, the program offered a total of $30,000 in micro-grants to…

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Lauren Lawrence, Stenovate

Just-launched Stenovate: COVID-19 will give court reporters, stenographers work for years to come 

By Tommy Felts / May 9, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. What the mid-pandemic launch of Stenovate lacks in revelry, it makes up…

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John Styers, Transportant

Wichita VC backs two KC startups: ‘Great companies can be built in crazy economic times’

By Tommy Felts / May 9, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Despite a global pandemic, Wichita-based Accelerate Venture Partners closed nearly as many…

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OYO Nova Gym

This KC-created handheld home gym just became the highest-funded fitness product ever on Kickstarter

By Tommy Felts / May 9, 2020

The OYO Nova Gym passed a massive crowdfunding milestone Saturday morning — raising $1.6 million in pre-sales for the Kansas City company and becoming the most-funded fitness product in Kickstarter history. And OYO’s campaign still has a month to go. “The OYO team has worked hard to develop fitness devices that fit in anyone’s lifestyle,”…

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Jan Knobel, Upper Crust Pie Bakery

Upper Crust bakery’s recipe for reopening: Embrace a sweet new piece of the retail pie

By Tommy Felts / May 7, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. Behind a rustic “closed” sign, empty display cases and a lonely pie…

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