Listen: Leaders analyze KC’s entrepreneurial milestones, assess challenges

June 22, 2017  |  Meghan LeVota

To say that Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community has matured in the last 15 years would be an understatement.

Many leaders say that if you lived in the metro during the early 2000s and were to return now, you may not even recognize the place.

Taking a moment to reflect on how far Kansas City has come, Startland News and Think Big’s June Innovation Exchange used a historical lens to analyze Kansas City entrepreneurship.

Panelists shared their analysis on the metro’s entrepreneurial ecosystem — including growth, future opportunities and areas to be improved.

In the conversation, you’ll hear from entrepreneurial community leaders including:

  • Joe Reardon, CEO of Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
  • Toby Rush, CEO of EyeVerify
  • Darcy Howe, Managing Director of the KCRise Fund
  • Joni Cobb, CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurial Fellowship
  • Herb Sih, Think Big Partners
  • Maria Meyers, Executive Director of KCSourceLink

A recording of the event is below, and photos are beneath that. Hope you enjoy!

[adinserter block="4"]

2017 Startups to Watch

    stats here

    Related Posts on Startland News

    Open Doors: Here’s how KCMO plans to turn empty storefronts into a World Cup stage for local talent

    By Tommy Felts | October 15, 2025

    Applications are now open for grants of up to $10,000 for businesses and artists who want to activate underutilized or vacant commercial spaces in the downtown area during the coming FIFA World Cup to showcase Kansas City’s entrepreneurial spirit.  Funds awarded through the just-detailed Open Doors! Program — crafted through a partnership between the City…

    He took over a house-trained side hustle; meow it’s time scale the gourmet catnip brand 

    By Tommy Felts | October 14, 2025

    Adam Larson might be severely allergic to cats, but he’s following his own advice — pawing away at a gourmet catnip side hustle and toying with the best market fit for the business (and his life). Larson — who also is a network convener for MOSourceLink, the founder Decimal Projects, and a former program coordinator at…

    How Main Street Summit is putting homegrown small business on stage with Tim Tebow

    By Tommy Felts | October 14, 2025

    COLUMBIA, Missouri — Small businesses don’t stay small on purpose, said Colby Kraus, echoing a mantra popular among organizers of the Main Street Summit — an immersive downtown experience rich with enough Americana capital for entrepreneurs and community builders from all walks of life.  Approaching its third year, Main Street Summit is set to return Nov.…

    ICYMI: MTC says it’s moving forward with select entrepreneur programs despite steep state funding cuts

    By Tommy Felts | October 14, 2025

    Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Missouri Business Alert, a member of the Kansas City Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, Kansas City PBS/Flatland, and The Kansas City Beacon. Click here to read the original story. [divide] The Missouri Technology Corp. has released its annual implementation plan, announcing which programs…