Tag: Jannae Gammage

KCSourceLink expands bilingual entrepreneur-focused support, adding two more Community Navigators

By Tommy Felts / August 22, 2025

A network of “Community Navigators” is extending resources deeper into Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, KCSourceLink announced Friday, detailing the hiring of Citlali Valdez and Racquel Rodriguez to its months-old connectivity program. “We are thrilled to welcome these experienced team members,” said Becca Castro, senior director of regional ecosystem development at the UMKC Innovation Center, which…

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KC’s top emerging business is brewing more than just beer at 18th and Vine, owners say

By Tommy Felts / June 17, 2025

Winning the Emerging Small Business Award is validation that Vine Street Brewing Co. — Missouri’s first Black-owned brewery — is tapped into what the community wants and needs, two of its owners said Tuesday. “It signifies we’re moving along with purpose and that we can really lean into our goals,” explained Annie McGinnis, co-owner and…

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Pitch locally or look to outsiders? How founder bias toward funding at all costs could leave your distracted startup without a why

By Tommy Felts / March 19, 2025

Kansas City’s funding gaps often feel deeper for women entrepreneurs, two top founders said Tuesday, describing a startup ecosystem that pits emerging entrepreneurs against each other — but perhaps more critically, against time — in a highly competitive fight for a limited amount of local capital. “Kansas City is very startup friendly — at least…

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Roster filled: 32 Kansas startups march into Round 2 of tourney-style pitch competition

By Tommy Felts / March 12, 2025

WICHITA — Nearly three dozen Sunflower State startups are vying for $20,000 in prize money — and courting the attention of investors — as they advance to the second round of an innovative, state-backed pitch competition set amid the excitement of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. NXTUS on Tuesday announced the initial 32 companies advancing…

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Topeka startup hub launches diverse entrepreneur community (with fintech help on loan from KC’s Cyphr)

By Tommy Felts / March 4, 2025

TOPEKA — An initiative aimed at boosting early to mid-stage entrepreneur development in the heart of Kansas launched Friday, said Michael Odupitan, noting the effort by Topeka-based Omni Circle to redefine the startup journey — and who’s allowed to join it — comes with a Kansas City assist. “Omni’s goal is to unite and strengthen…

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