Woman-led

Female founders: Tips for infusing capital into your dreams 

Editor’s note: The perspectives expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. The following is a paid thought leadership piece from Terri Roberts Munsell, McQueary Schumm Munsell Group at Morgan Stanley. Today, women own four out of every 10 businesses in the U.S.(*1) Why women choose entrepreneurship  There are a variety of reasons that women…

Meet the Small Biz of the Year finalists: KC Chamber surprises Top 10 Mr K contenders

The Kansas City Chamber just unveiled its hotly anticipated Top 10 finalists for the 2024 Small Business of the Year honor — surprising leaders from a wide range of industries with their tickets to the next round of the city’s most prestigious business competition. “This year, 60 candidates applied for awards, and we were awed…

Growing movement by Black farmers seeds plan to honor land, ancestors while cultivating better health

Dina Newman wanted to reclaim Black growers’ seat at the table — helping an overlooked community in Kansas City create their own healthy and affordable food systems to nourish themselves. “When I’m talking food system, I’m talking from a seed to plant,” said Newman, founder of Kansas City Black Urban Growers (KCBUGS). “When you look…

Crossroads boutique styles Y2K nostalgia with 2024 representation: ‘It heals my inner child’

Courtnie Ross wants to help customers of all kinds embrace their own personal style in her store — and be comfortable in the fit, the LoveStoned boutique owner said. “The core of what I feel like I’m meant to do in life is to help people feel good about themselves,” she said. With glittery sets,…

UMKC pitch competition brings validating relief, cash prizes for emerging founders with big ideas

A popular UMKC pitch competition awarded more than $80,000 in cash prizes to student and full-time entrepreneurs Friday — validating new ideas and emerging ventures alike.  “I never saw anything like this when I was in college,” said Dr. Brandy Archie, founder of AskSAMIE, who competed in a category especially for established startups at the University…