Alchemy Sandbox winners are walking away with more than their $5K prizes, founders say

The latest round of Alchemy Sandbox competitors showcased the perseverance and resilience entrepreneurs need to be successful in the long run, said Charon Thompson, announcing five winners of the small business pitch competition. “Businesses that continue to do well stay ready so they don’t have to get ready,” said Thompson, co-founder of The Porter House,…

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

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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LEANLAB awards $50K in seed grants to 19 Black and Latinx innovators in education

Entrepreneurs should reflect the communities they serve, said Katie Boody — a charge even more critical when innovative work touches Kansas City’s diverse public school systems, she added. “I know firsthand how challenging launching a startup can be for anyone, and especially for founders of color,” said Boody, co-founder and CEO of LEANLAB Education, announcing the…

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WATCH: Faces of KC entrepreneurship find strength in numbers, community resources

A new video from KCSourceLink highlights the faces of Kansas City entrepreneurship — featuring makers, innovators, tech founders and social entrepreneurs — and their connection to the resource network and ecosystem infrastructure in Kansas City. “It takes very special people to be able to put everything on the line,” says Reggie Gray, executive director of Black…

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