Mr K contenders: KC chamber reveals 10 finalists for Small Business of the Year award

Ten Kansas City companies — ranging from tech startups, apparel and experience brands to standout, hands-on small businesses — are officially in the running for the Chamber’s top honor: the prestigious Mr. K award. The finalists were announced Friday morning on social media with surprise reveals filmed Thursday alongside media sponsor Startland News, following a…

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Why Swell Spark founders needed a business breakup to keep the startup (and their friendship) moving forward

Matt Baysinger and Ryan Henrich pedalled 100 miles over Utah’s rocky terrain as a milestone marker in the duo’s relationship — exiting a business partnership and riding ahead on a tight, decades-long friendship, Baysinger shared.  [pullquote] Swell Spark is an entertainment company that creates interactive entertainment through shared experiences such as escape rooms, axe throwing…

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Look to your father, not the coach: Why one fit entrepreneur hopes to redefine ‘dad bod’

Fatherhood — like athletics — is a physical and mental challenge with lifelong impacts, said Isaac Thibault, detailing the parallels at the core of his pandemic-pivoted career turn as a personal trainer. Launched this summer, Thibault’s PushIT Fitness targets married men with children — a demographic that allows the 25-year-old Overland Park entrepreneur an opportunity to…

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Dapper rapper, ‘SNL’ star, top CEOs join student pitch competition as KC celebrity judges

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. STARTLAND is the parent organization of Startland News, though this report was produced…

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