Tag: Nia Richardson

Nia Richardson, KC Bizcare

Community Builders to Watch: Nia Richardson redefines city’s role in building wealth (and the freedom that comes with it)

By Tommy Felts / November 4, 2021

Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing six Kansas City changemakers from five local organizations in its inaugural Community Builders to Watch list. The following highlights one of the 2021 honorees, selected from more than 100 initial nominees by a panel of judges. Click here to view the full list of Community Builders to Watch —…

Read More >
Small Business Big Voice

COVID is hurting small biz — but how to help? AltCap, KCBizCare launch listening tour to find best strategy

By Tommy Felts / November 12, 2020

To help Kansas City’s small business community, leaders first must know what entrepreneurs actually need, said Ruben Alonso, announcing the launch of a KCMO-backed, city-wide listening tour. “As we look to recover from the economic disruption caused by COVID-19, it is critical we hear from small businesses, the lifeblood of our communities so that we…

Read More >
Gabe Muñoz; photo by Ray Carrington for Forward Cities

ESHIP Communities: 10 ways Kansas City can support its businesses and entrepreneurs

By Tommy Felts / May 7, 2020

Editor’s note: This story is sponsored and was produced by Forward Cities, a non-financial partner of Startland News and a national nonprofit that is managing the implementation of the ESHIP Communities program as a grantee of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Any opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the author. ESHIP Communities Kansas City is dedicated…

Read More >
Stephen Hardy, MySidewalk

InnovateKC: City pivots to startup-in-residence program to leverage local tech ingenuity

By Tommy Felts / October 23, 2019

A new administration equals a new spin on established ideas, Nia Richardson explained, previewing the launch of Kansas City’s InnovateKC program.  “I literally had a 45-minute conversation with [former city innovation officer] Bob Bennett before he walked out the door. He sent me an email with some notes and I had to pick it up…

Read More >
2018 LaunchKC winners

KCMO turns to entrepreneurs for new ideas on budget support; Advocates to rally at work sessions

By Tommy Felts / July 25, 2019

Raised voices and a commitment to civic engagement earned entrepreneurs an additional $350,000 in city support for the 2019 budget year and a second attempt is about to begin, explained Rick Usher.  “It really goes back to when the resident work sessions started in 2018,” Usher, KCMO assistant city manager for entrepreneurship and small business,…

Read More >