Austin Barnes
Recent Articles by Austin Barnes
New grant funding is expected to boost efforts to empower Kansans and Sunflower State communities with the digital tools and skills necessary to meaningfully benefit from high-speed Internet service. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) on Wednesday announced funding pathways for Kansas, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, allowing the…
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Kansas City’s thriving maker community received a festive boost this holiday season as Made in KC unveiled its first-ever Made in KC Awards — a celebration of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The awards highlight more than a dozen standout makers and innovative products, with two big winners — KC New Maker of the Year and…
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Founder admits he doesn’t know everything, but getting vulnerable could shed light on the answers Editor’s Note: Startland News serves as the in-kind media sponsor of “Beyond the Founder.” This story was produced independently by Startland News’ staff. [divide] For 23-year-old Will Strout, the entrepreneurial journey isn’t just about profit margins and business plans —…
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A trend-setting new partnership between Kansas City blockchain visionaries, local digital innovation advocates and global thought leaders at the University of Nicosia of Cyprus could bank tech-forward thinkers a new degree of expertise: think a master’s in crypto. The opportunity comes as the KC Futures DAO, KC Digital Drive (KCDD) and the University of Nicosia…
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A 113,000-square-foot fulfillment center in Kansas City is expected to help Miami-based OpenStore provide faster and more efficient service to its growing portfolio of e-commerce brands — and bring $2 million in payroll to the region in the next five years. Opening in March 2025, the project is expected to ultimately create 46 new jobs…
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Editor’s note: The following story was produced through a paid partnership with MOSourceLink, which boasts a mission to help entrepreneurs and small businesses across the state of Missouri grow and succeed by providing free, easy access to the help they need — when they need it. [divide] Amber Walderier’s entrepreneurial journey began with an unexpected…
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Three new additions to the ownership structure at Crossroads-based Generator Studio — the first such change in the studio’s 15-year history — each helped transform the very landscape of Kansas City, said co-founder Mike Kress. “They fully capture the spirit of Generator,” he continued, announcing that veteran team members Peter Baird, Christina Franklin, and Andrew…
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A nearly 20-year corporate veteran has joined one of the most prominent nonprofit operations on Kansas City’s east side — marking another new chapter for Troost-based Reconciliation Services as Kristen Harris starts work as its new COO. “This role is an incredible opportunity to combine my passion for community impact with innovative leadership,” Harris said.…
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A new CEO for one of Kansas City’s best known tech startups is expected to lead the charge as auto transport platform Super Dispatch continues its transformation, said founder Bek Abdullayev, who moves into a new executive chairman role. The company on Tuesday announced Matt Bradley has assumed the CEO position at Super Dispatch, taking…
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What started out as a joke about an inflatable unicorn sprinkler “tooting” out candy has turned into a meaningful daddy-daughter candy business, Lee Urban shared. The Shawnee father launched Fantastical Droppings “for the little squirts that make your life complete,” he notes on the colorful packaging. “I’m like, ‘I’m gonna create a company that I…
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