Missouri startup support funding gutted amid COVID; Advocates hope reversing course could fuel recovery

By Tommy Felts | July 21, 2020

It’s official: the 2021 budget for a popular public-private partnership that once infused millions into the Missouri tech and startup communities has been wholly defunded by the state as Gov. Mike Parson grapples with COVID-19’s continued economic fallout. But supporters of the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) hope Parson’s move — withholding all of the program’s…

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Already slashed to $1M, MTC funding for startups, innovation centers could hinge on COVID-19

By Tommy Felts | May 18, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. [divide] A years-long effort to scale back Missouri’s funding for startup investment…

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MTC forced to surrender entire $2.9M budget — including funds already awarded to startups — to help MO pay for COVID-19 shortfall

By Tommy Felts | April 16, 2020

Editor’s note: The following is part of Startland News’ ongoing coverage of the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on Kansas City’s entrepreneur community, as well as how innovation is helping to drive a new normal in the ecosystem. Click here to follow related stories as they develop. [divide] A critical funding tool for Missouri startups could become the latest…

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‘Not a good look’: Amid budget cut criticism, Mayor Q shuffles $25K between small biz support groups

By Tommy Felts | February 29, 2020

Editor’s note: Startland News is a program of STARTLAND, an ecosystem-building organization that is among the participants in an informal coalition of entrepreneur support groups hoping to increase funding for small business support in the 2020-2021 Kansas City, Missouri, budget. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. [divide] Responding to sharp criticism…

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