Woman-led
EDCKC celebrates leaders who transformed KCMO through equitable development projects
Reshaping Kansas City doesn’t come without focused, intentional efforts by development advocates and officials, said Mayor Quinton Lucas, offering a toast to one of his city hall predecessors and her work to revitalize the heart of the city. “Many of us are blessed to remember Mayor Kay Barnes thinking about what downtown could be, and…
Crowdfunding investment helps fan favorite food cart revive second-chance entrepreneur’s outlook
After spending a decade in prison, owning her own catering business has given Stephanie Blaco a new purpose in life, she shared, and a new small business crowdfunding platform is giving her the opportunity — when others wouldn’t — to scale up. “That’s what I believe has kept me out of prison,” the Mixing Bowl…
Her iconic KC business made her queen of the road; why Gail Worth is switching gears into retirement
Gail Worth is hitting the open road of retirement — putting 25 years at her premier motorcycle dealership in the rearview mirror. And the Grandview business — Gail’s (formerly known as Gail’s Harley-Davidson) — that she made popular with her community drive and over-the-handlebars personality, is closing on Worth’s own terms, she said proudly. “I’m…
When your hobby takes a leap: Turning passion into a business
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Latasha Randle is a Strategy & Small Business Program Manager at H&R Block, a company founded and headquartered in downtown Kansas City. Many of us have hobbies that spark joy and help us unwind from the stresses of everyday life. From gardening, painting, knitting,…
Identity festival returns, bringing Asian-owned business, culture from the shadows to the pitch
A celebration of often-overlooked heritage and culture is scoring its biggest match yet: a showcase this weekend at CPKC Stadium — where intentional diversity and inclusivity have a home field advantage, said Jackie Nguyen. “It’s our first time partnering with such a big venue,” said Nguyen, founder of the annual AANHPI (Asian American, Native Hawaiian,…
