Tag: E-Scholars

Megan Williams, Smiles and Kuts Foundation

Social entrepreneur cuts into kids’ shaken self-esteem: I can’t save them all, but I can put smiles on a few faces

By Tommy Felts / May 11, 2021

When Megan Williams’ daughter was diagnosed with hearing loss, the challenge put her confidence to the test.  “Sometimes kids are cruel,” Williams, a local hair stylist and salon owner, said of concerns her family faced as they sent the 5-year-old to school with hearing aids neatly tucked around her ears. Knowing full well the taunting…

Read More >
Jonaie Johnson, Interplay, University of Missouri-Kansas City

UMKC’s top student entrepreneur has a not-so-secret play: Startups are a team sport

By Tommy Felts / December 7, 2020

Editor’s note: This article is underwritten by Plexpod — a progressive coworking platform offering next generation workspace for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-stage companies of all sizes — but was independently produced by Startland News. From crafting custom-made bracelets in elementary school to prepping the launch for the world’s first interactive dog crate, Jonaie Johnson said she’s wanted…

Read More >

Techstars KC returns: Meet 10 startups bringing diverse solutions to the rebooted accelerator 

By Tommy Felts / June 1, 2020

The hotly anticipated Techstars Kansas City 2020 accelerator class features startups enabling greater transparency and access in healthcare, the food supply, and justice for all, said Lesa Mitchell. Two of the ventures are based in St. Louis. “We’re also welcoming companies with new platforms and new business models that will attract and facilitate broader talent…

Read More >

Dart pedals more than a prototype: E-bikes as a route to equitable employment access

By Tommy Felts / May 28, 2020

Free bus rides aren’t the only solution to a lack of equity in Kansas City’s transportation options, explained Thomas Murphy.  “Only 18 percent of jobs here in the metro are available via 90-minute commute via public transit,” Murphy, co-founder and CEO of Dart, explained of the startup’s commitment to outfitting under-resourced pockets of the metro…

Read More >
Real Report, E-Scholars

Watch UMKC’s E-Scholars Demo Day: Scrappy founders challenged by pandemic

By Tommy Felts / May 6, 2020

Entrepreneurs are needed now more than ever, said Alex Krause Matlack. “Had this year gone as normal, the E-Scholars would have held a live demo day this week for the community to showcase the hard work they put into their companies, and to give the founders access to a broader network of community members to…

Read More >
[adinserter block="4"]