Woman-led

Mayor appoints city’s first Small Business Task Force as investment in KC entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / October 3, 2023

Small businesses have the potential to thrive in Kansas City in ways unlike other metros across the country, said Christine Lau, highlighting how the city’s unique spirit will play a role in a newly created Small Business Task Force for KCMO. “We have a grit and tenacity that I haven’t seen anywhere else,” said Lau,…

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Why Kauffman’s new CEO just rolled out the blue carpet (and an ask) for Kansas City

By Tommy Felts / September 30, 2023

Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace wears the legacy of Ewing Kauffman on her shoulders, she said. Inspired by the Kauffman Foundation’s namesake, the organization’s new president and CEO opened the doors to its headquarters this week, offering insight into how she plans to lead with intention. “We must match the needs of the communities we serve,” she…

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PorchFestKC set to transform these Midtown neighborhoods into a one-day, walk-up music festival

By Tommy Felts / September 28, 2023

After a three-year hiatus, the original PorchFestKC — a music festival Kathryn Golden likens to stumbling on a neighborhood block party and being allowed to stay — is returning. And it’ll play out with a digital upgrade this year, said Golden. Launched in 2015, PorchFestKC — the city’s trend-setting, porch-packed community music celebration — will…

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Startup ambassadors’ pitch to former Kansas Citians: Move your innovation, hustle Back2KC

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2023

Kansas City is having a moment, said Liam Reilly, and it’s an opportunity he and fellow Back2KC organizers couldn’t pass up — reviving the tech talent recruitment program amid Chiefs glory, downtown baseball district buzz, KC Streetcar expansion, riverfront revitalization, and a World Cup on the horizon. “We didn’t want to wait another year to…

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This Kansas gardener sued to sell fruit and honey; Now her town will allow urban farming

By Tommy Felts / September 26, 2023

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. Ottawa city officials are trying to strike a balance between people who want to produce food and the interests of their…

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