Woman-led

Edna Martinson, Boddle

Edna Martinson notches another big win for Boddle, earning $100K from Google for Startups fund

By Tommy Felts / September 22, 2021

The second cohort of a Google for Startups program focused on high potential ventures from Black entrepreneurs features a high-profile founder who built her company in Kansas City before relocating to Tulsa in 2020. The Black Founders Fund announced the selection of Edna Martinson, co-founder of Boddle Learning, Tuesday in a rollout of the 50…

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Heather Steppe, KC Hemp Co.

Grassroots ‘Kansas Cannabis Chamber’ sprouts as legalization looms; led by KC CBD mom-turned-industry advocate

By Tommy Felts / September 22, 2021

For the first time in Sunflower State history, a bill to legalize medical marijuana passed in the Kansas House in May. Behind the effort: a locally grown coalition of cannabis advocates.  The Kansas Cannabis Coalition formed in summer 2020, composed of about 50 individuals who have shown leadership in the cannabis industry, said Heather Steppe,…

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Sherri Corwin, Mixed Mutt Creamery, Midtown location

Mixed Mutt fetches new home for doggie ice cream shop inside Crossroads pup space 

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2021

Opportunity continues to bark for Mixed Mutt Creamery, Sherri Corwin said, announcing the dog-friendly ice cream shop will soon move from its Midtown storefront to join forces with another pet-focused small business in the Crossroads Arts District.  “This is a huge opportunity for growth,” Corwin told Startland News, detailing a new partnership between Mixed Mutt…

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Who’s getting funded in KC? The answer requires a long look in the mirror, analysts say

By Tommy Felts / September 21, 2021

Editor’s note: Startland News asked industry experts to take an early look at the data behind the 2021 Kansas City Venture Capital-Backed Companies Report — the culmination of a three-month collaboration between UMKC’s Technology Venture Studio and Startland News, and presented by Mylo, a Lockton Company. Below are some of their leading takeaways, along with…

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Fall 2019 Elevation Lab Tech Venture cohort with Sally Williams; front row, Jerren Thornhill, Kwinton Scarbrough, Sally Williams, Aaron Monson, Jeremy Williams, and Juaquan Herron; back row, Rodney McDuffie, Zach Davis, James Bailey, David Biga, Jordan Williams, Hassan Ali, and former SBDC counselor Ryan Comeau

Microwave meals to dating apps: How Sally Williams harnesses the power of new products for founders

By Tommy Felts / September 20, 2021

After 40 years in the game, a nearly lifelong career might leave little room for surprises. Yet for Sally Williams, every rise of the sun brings new opportunities, revolving largely around Kansas City’s potential to push the bounds of innovation, she said.  “I have clients who have products in the International Space Station and I…

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