Woman-led

The whole package: KC woman’s delivery service drives to beat competition on trust, versatility

By Tommy Felts / October 7, 2023

Two years after receiving a $25,000 grant from Kansas City G.I.F.T., Damesha Cook’s small business is still on the move, picking up speed as she invests her own personal touch to build confidence and trust among clients. “When people meet me and get to know my personality, it gives them a lot of comfort,” said…

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How one KC startup studio helps feel-good ventures grow impact while actually making money

By Tommy Felts / October 6, 2023

Running a social venture comes with an inherent challenge for founders, shared Jacqueline Erickson Russell, emphasizing they must balance purpose and profit. Social Venture Studio — powered by LaunchKC — offers support along that journey, added Erickson Russell, the founder and CEO of Social Impact Advising Group and consultant for the Kansas City-based program. “Complex…

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Art and technology too often butt heads, festival planners say; River Market event paints a reality where they coexist

By Tommy Felts / October 6, 2023

The River Market Art Festival is back after a 20-year hiatus — with a nod to the past and an eye toward the future, shared The AI Hub’s Taylor Burris and James Spikes, startup founders who are hosting the event in partnership with the River Market Community Association. The revival of the art festival —…

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Pure Pitch Rally reveals 2023 competitors: Meet 8 founders redefining the future of tech

By Tommy Felts / October 4, 2023

One of KC’s most-anticipated startup events is set to tease a room full of sharks with the innovations of tomorrow — being built in Kansas City today, said Karen Fenaroli, announcing the eight competitors set for the Oct. 23 Pure Pitch Rally stage. The one-of-a-kind event helps startups grow by offering nondilutive spot-cash funding to…

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Five startups are getting a tech boost with the latest round of Digital Sandbox KC funding

By Tommy Felts / October 3, 2023

The caliber of founders leading the latest startups funded by Digital Sandbox KC is truly exceptional, said Jill Meyer, describing a third-quarter cohort that includes a Pipeline Pathfinder member, a KC Chamber Small Business of the Year finalist, and the former CEO of the KC Tech Council. “Their industry experience and dedication are the cornerstones…

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