Tag: Nia Richardson

Entrepreneurs worry World Cup could leave small biz, communities on the losing team

By Tommy Felts / April 17, 2025

FIFA’s summer games set to bring opportunity to Kansas City, but some fear a ripple effect that lasts far longer than the 2026 matches With each month that passes before Kansas City hosts games for the FIFA World Cup in June 2026, local small business owners are facing anxiety about the uncertain plays ahead —…

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Clock is ticking on World Cup 2026: Small businesses urged to prepare before this buzzer-beater

By Tommy Felts / March 7, 2025

A massive influx of visitors are expected next year when more than 600,000 fans descend on Kansas City for its piece of the FIFA World Cup 2026 prize, but potential roadblocks lie ahead for small business owners who are waiting for the action instead of preparing now to capitalize on it, said local leaders. “This…

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Here’s how a new data dashboard could help KCMO redirect funds to small businesses

By Tommy Felts / September 5, 2024

A new data dashboard built to better understand Kansas City’s business needs — and guide the city’s response — is not only revolutionary for the metro, said Nia Richardson, it could be the first of its kind, period. Small business advocates already are calling it a win. “I don’t know of any other city or playbook…

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Pitch prize puts founders closer to building their utopia; How KCMO is backing entrepreneurs who do the right thing

By Tommy Felts / July 26, 2024

Hearing the personal reasons behind judges’ support for her business at the “Do The Right Thing” social impact pitch competition provides much-needed validation for Utopia Point, said Shereese Hameed-Muhammad. The business — launched by Patricia McCreary and Hameed-Muhammad to redesign the geriatric and disabled care community in Kansas City and beyond — was the overwhelming favorite…

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Kauffman Foundation revises funding priorities to three key areas, sharing first public details of its new strategic focus

By Tommy Felts / April 30, 2024

A refreshed vision for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation aims to make Kansas City a national model for equitable economic mobility, dismantling systemic barriers and setting generations of historically under-resourced communities on the path to prosperity, according to just-released details from the influential organization. Updates to the Kauffman Foundation’s strategy come after the summer 2023…

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