Woman-led

World Cup readiness event opens City Hall to entrepreneurs hoping to get on the roster

By Tommy Felts / November 14, 2025

Kansas City wants to score as many points as possible when the FIFA World Cup arrives in 2026, said Janá Wagner, emphasizing that a special event planned Tuesday during GEWKC aims to get businesses into the game now — playbook in hand. “Our goal is to help as many entrepreneurs as possible get properly licensed,…

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‘This is the dream’: Starty Party turns up the volume on Kansas City tech, collaboration (Photos)

By Tommy Felts / November 13, 2025

It isn’t a party without the people, said organizers of the Starty Party, gathering a crowd of startup veterans, early stage founders, investors and community leaders Wednesday for a one-night celebration of innovation — set against the backdrop of homegrown music and vibes. “This is amazing,” said Melissa Vincent, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs, from the Starty…

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Kauffman narrows Uncommon Leader contenders to five finalists from community orgs

By Tommy Felts / November 12, 2025

Kansas City leaders advancing toward the Kauffman Foundation’s high-profile impact award all demonstrate bold, creative, and inclusive leadership, said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, announcing five finalists for the inaugural honor. “Each of these leaders reminds us that one person can make a difference, and that compassion and dedication can change the lives of the people we…

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Biz class to barista: UMKC student’s mobile matcha cart hand-whisks crowds of thirsty fans

By Tommy Felts / November 10, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. HerCafe, a matcha business founded by a University of Missouri-Kansas City student and her friend, has found success with its weekend…

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rOOTS KC grows into third location, planting shop in River Market ahead of World Cup

By Tommy Felts / November 4, 2025

Initially setting its roots as a pop-up plant shop in 2020, Dee Ferguson’s leafy business has grown to three Kansas City locations. The secret is in the soil, she said, describing a strategy for cultivating customers through free, evergreen plant care support and “community-rooted spirit.”  “2025 has been a difficult year for all of retail,”…

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