Startups

‘Perfect is the enemy of progress’: KC founders say the right time for entrepreneurship is now — even if mistakes are inevitable

By Tommy Felts / November 15, 2022

Early in John Thomson’s entrepreneurial journey, the PayIt co-founder realized no one had all the answers, he shared; and anyone who waits until they feel comfortable enough to start a business will be waiting forever.  “We’re all imperfect, certainly fallible. You’ve got to keep going and not worry about perfect. Perfect is the enemy of…

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Natasha Kirsch, The Grooming Project

Bank of America awards $200K to Pawsperity, a social venture startup supporting struggling parents

By Tommy Felts / November 15, 2022

Two Kansas City nonprofits are expected to receive hefty, multi-year grants from one of the nation’s banking giants — focusing on direct funding and leadership development — including a social enterprise that uses dog grooming to improve parents’ quality of life. Bank of America on Tuesday announced Pawsperity, formerly The Grooming Project, as one of two “Neighborhood…

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Tammie Wahaus, ELIAS Animal Health, InvestMidwest

InvestMidwest says in-person capital conferences are back; returning to Kansas City in 2024

By Tommy Felts / November 15, 2022

A long-running investment conference that previously showcased Kansas City startups to crowds of regional and national funders is expected to resume its in-person events this spring in St. Louis. The InvestMidwest event series — which rotates between Missouri’s two major startup hubs — is set to return to Kansas City in 2024. Exact dates for…

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Endeavor could bring its global capital network to KC startups; leaders weigh its local need

By Tommy Felts / November 15, 2022

Leaders from the Heartland division of Endeavor on Monday gave local entrepreneurs a first look at capital, resources, and programming that could come to Kansas City as the global nonprofit considers expansion into the region. During the preview event, organized as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, representatives from Endeavor’s regional office in Northwest Arkansas discussed…

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Why employers should hire veterans: KC entrepreneurs say combat prepared them for startup life

By Tommy Felts / November 11, 2022

Effectively communicating the skills and experiences gained from military service can be a major challenge for veterans, said Zachary Oshinbanjo. Too often that disconnect contributes to unemployment or mental health struggles when a service member returns to civilian life. “Many veterans may have gone straight from high school into the military and now are looking…

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