NXTUS is helping five emerging KC innovators gain customer traction; ‘Timing is right,’ startup founders say
A handful of Kansas City startups were among 22 early stage companies gathered in Wichita this week for the opening session of a program aimed at growing strong, sustainable businesses that uplift innovation and opportunity throughout the Heartland. The 2026 NXTSTAGE Customer Traction Cohort program on Wednesday welcomed founders from buildNest and Pitchster, Olathe, Kansas;…
Inside the MNDSHFT: Raw conversations stare into the entrepreneur struggle; strength stares back
A new video series from an acclaimed Kansas City creator dives into the daily routines, mental shifts, and no-BS strategies behind building businesses and lives that matter, said Quincy Lee, emphasizing episodes built to redefine the hustle mindset. The first three features within the MNDSHFT series premiere today — produced by Social Apex Media and…
Want to help KC’s new favorite rapper meme Missouri? This one’s for you
Riverside-born creator Lil String unravels viral comedy from everyday Kansas City destinations; Here’s how internet culture is translating into real-world turnout From his cowboy hat to his boots, Lil String doesn’t take himself too seriously, he said. The rapper, comedian and content creator is rapidly building a local following by blending humor, music and hyper-specific…
Boulevard building outdoor ‘Yard’ space for added bar, patio capacity ahead of World Cup
Construction began Wednesday on a new second-story outdoor bar and patio space at Boulevard Brewing Co. — bridging the popular tourist and recreation destination to its nearby parking garage — with an early summer opening planned just in time for the world’s largest soccer tournament. “We’ve dreamed of having our own backyard hangout at the…
Transportant launches school bus stop arm camera to tag drivers who blow past students
The latest technology from a Kansas-based leader in school bus safety captures the license plates of law-breakers via full-color digital imaging that can be used to alert law enforcement officials who can then issue citations and hold drivers in violation accountable. The product launch from Transportant comes during a time of expansion for the Lenexa…
Ditch the highlight reel and gatekeepers: Founders share blueprint to building value, together
Entrepreneurship is lonely, but it doesn’t have to be isolating, said Mark Launiu, opening a three-day summit rich in practical wisdom and firsthand storytelling from founders who’ve created businesses — and struggled through the times that suck — in Kansas City. “This is about building something that lasts and building it with people who understand…
Strategy for boosting KC economic mobility: graduating twice and stackable credentials
A just-released strategic plan aims to increase college attainment for Kansas Citians from low income high schools by 10 points to 23 percent by 2030, outlining an education access effort that doubles as an economic roadmap for a region in mid-transformation. Supported by a grant from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation, KCCAN unveiled…
J. Rieger earns role in new Jason Bourne thriller; chased with a shot of Monogram whiskey, neat
When Jason Bourne slides into his next literary adventure, the CIA asset-turned-runaway agent is expected to find himself barrel-bound in the East Bottoms, said Andy Rieger, teasing a new thriller in the Bourne series that adds an iconic Kansas City destination to the hero’s story. Rieger on Thursday revealed that J. Rieger & Co. Distillery…
Grab a plate, save a restaurant: KC’s 10-day crash course in cuisine could keep the doors open
The region’s culinary community is toasting the return of Kansas City Restaurant Week with anticipation — and hopes for a serving of survival amid an economic downturn that’s seen the closures of dining establishments new and old across the metro. “This event alone can hopefully at least keep us open,” said Nashaunda Law, founder of…
Meet 8 startups that just locked in move-faster funding from Digital Sandbox KC
An effort to “super-charge” innovative, emerging tech in Kansas City is helping more than a half-dozen companies with exceptional growth potential get their solutions to customers faster, said Jill Meyer, announcing the latest cohort of Digital Sandbox KC-funded startups. “These next great innovations are solving real-world problems and identifying gaps that their technologies can fill,”…
