Tag: Paycheck Protection Program

U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids visiting Upper Crust Pie Bakery in downtown Overland Park

Survival took more than just PPP — but federal relief proved pivotal, small biz owners tell Davids

By Tommy Felts / July 10, 2021

Sharice Davids strolled through downtown Overland Park Friday afternoon — with an ice cream cone in hand — stopping to meet with local small business owners to hear their pandemic survival stories and how federal relief programs played a role.  “Today has been really fun; to see just how innovative … the problem-solving modes that…

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Matt Moody, Bellwethr

Explain it like I’m 5: Bellwethr hits best month of growth to date after simplifying lingo

By Tommy Felts / June 29, 2021

Editor’s note: The following story is sponsored by Academy Bank, a Kansas City based community bank, and is part of a series of features spotlighting some of the bank’s startup and small business partners. The golden key to success is communication, said Matt Moody, but it can also be the biggest challenge. “Bellwethr’s software has been…

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Chocolatier Christopher Elbow: Neighborhood favorites need KC support to survive 2020 (and 2021)

By Tommy Felts / November 27, 2020

Hours before opening to hungry Black Friday customers, workers at Christopher Elbow’s Fairway Creamery were busy crafting decadent donuts and savory on-the-go breakfast favorites. Salted caramel gingersnap cake. Strawberry rosé and chocolate blackout yeast raised. Avocado toast with a sunny side up egg on top. The morning easily could go either way, staff members said:…

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Stone Cole, Jasmine Baudler, Amber Baudler, and Cassie Florido, Stellar Image Studios

Double exposure: How quick action streamed a stellar survival story for sister-led film studio

By Tommy Felts / June 26, 2020

When Kansas City’s event scene went dark in the early days of the pandemic, Stellar Image Studios seized a lights-camera-action opportunity to add new value to a suddenly virtual world, said Jasmine Baudler.  “I encourage people not to cancel their virtual events or their fundraisers or galas because — even though it’s hard — it’s…

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It isn’t just free money: PPP loan funds come with strings attached

By Tommy Felts / April 24, 2020

Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the authors’ alone. Kirstin P. Salzman, Jessica Zeratsky and Kyle Gilster are partners at Husch Blackwell. This op-ed is sponsored by the Husch Blackwell law firm, which has offices in Kansas City and across the nation, and intended to provide additional insight into the Pacheck Protection Program (PPP) and its extension this week.…

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