Startups

Whizz Bang

Three fathers bring Whizz Bang potty-training game to market through Make48, Handy Camel

The Whizz Bang gamifies potty training and saves the bathroom floors of all parents, said Amy Gray. The device, which hooks on the underside of a toilet seat lid, emits a LED light target at the bottom the bowl. Once hit, the device plays musical praise, said Gray, the head of sales for Handy Camel,…

Reconciliation Services

Reconciliation Services hopes to heal trauma in the heart of stigmatized Troost corridor

Commanded by Scripture, David Altschul journeyed into parts unknown, said his successor, Father Justin Mathews.   In the mid-1980s, a philanthropic pull tugged at the heart of Altschul — a white, insurance salesman from Johnson County — and eventually led him into the distressed, history-rich neighborhoods that lined Troost Avenue on the east side of…

Thelma's Kitchen

Thelma’s Kitchen cooks up pay-what-you-can cafe concept to preserve community

Twenty people once filled the kitchen of Thelma Gardner’s apartment in search of their next meal. Their hunger for food fueled her hunger for humanity, recounted Father Justin Mathews as he sat sipping coffee in the newly opened Thelma’s Kitchen. The pay-what-you-can restaurant — located inside of the Reconciliation Services building at 3101 Troost Ave….

Israel England, KC Cajun

Fried gator to chicken alfredo: Flavors driving KC Cajun to entrepreneur’s next phase

Kansas City businesses should utilize every resource at their disposal to build stronger brands, said Israel England, owner and operator of KC Cajun. “I’m branching out,” England said with confidence as he detailed his coming venture — adapting his KC Cajun catering service into a food truck. “There is so much more room to improve,…

LaunchKC finalists

LaunchKC finalists revealed: Kansas City newsmakers and startup stars in the making

A dozen Kansas City tech entrepreneurs are set to compete next month against a mix of firms from across the country — and one startup from Israel — in arguably the city’s most elite and hotly anticipated pitch event of the year. LaunchKC announced its 20 finalists Tuesday — each vying for their piece of…