Austin Barnes

Recent Articles by Austin Barnes

Modern world requires entrepreneurs to think like creatives, says KU’s Innovator in Residence

September 5, 2024

Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. [divide] LAWRENCE, Kansas — Building a skill set around creativity is critical to entrepreneurship — especially at a time when careers can be short-lived, said Josh Wexler. “Jobs are no longer for life,” explained the Innovator in Residence at the…

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Grantmaking reboot ‘just one piece of the larger puzzle’ in Kauffman Foundation reset, CEO says

September 5, 2024

Overhauling the Kauffman Foundation’s grantmaking strategy aligns with a broader, holistic reset for the influential Kansas City organization, said Dr. DeAngela Burns Wallace, emphasizing org-wide moves to deepen the impact and dialogue sparked by its giving. “We’re still engaged in the work happening locally, regionally, and nationally,” said Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Ewing…

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KC Current’s goalkeeper AD Franch lauded for teaming with WeCodeKC to empower urban youth 

September 4, 2024

AD Franch is more than just a world-class athlete; she’s a true community servant, said Tammy Buckner, founder of WeCodeKC, heaping praise on the KC Current goalkeeper-turned-advocate for technology education in Kansas City. “Her passion and dedication to our students are unmatched,” said Buckner. “Through her partnership, we’ve been able to bring sports and technology…

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Midwest crypto platform Normal aims to bring blockchain ‘banking’ to the mainstream

September 4, 2024

Cryptocurrencies are poised to radically disrupt and transform monetary systems across the globe, said Joshua Blew, noting the coming financial freedom offered by such developments is closely tied to individuals’ access to the best tools and ownership of the right assets. But connecting to them in a world of banking behemoths and entrenched financial institutions…

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KC Chamber set to honor steward of economic inclusion with its 2024 ATHENA award

September 3, 2024

Transformational leadership guides Qiana Thomason’s purpose, officials with the KC Chamber said, detailing the Health Forward Foundation executive’s commitment to health equity through strategic community investments and policy influence through seasoned social capital.  Thomason is set to be honored 5 p.m. Oct. 16 at Starlight Theatre during the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce’s 2024…

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From Cleveland Heights to KC: This streetwear brand opens season on Midwest style

September 3, 2024

As anticipation builds for Thursday’s Chiefs home opener at Arrowhead Stadium, Aric Jones is channeling that energy into his streetwear venture — a play that brings Travis Kelce’s childhood best friend’s lifestyle and clothing brand from Cleveland Heights to Kansas City. Homebred is debuting a six-month showroom at KC Beauty Collective, 1819 Wyandotte St., during…

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A business strategy that never changes: Founders must learn to evolve, expert says

September 3, 2024

In her three decades as an executive leadership coach, Teresa Carey’s seen a lot of changes, she shared. But at the core, people are still the same, she added. “People still want authenticity,” said the founder of PerformancePointe. “Relationships matter. Trust matters. So some things will never go out of style. The craving for connection…

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Man of unexpected taste: How this Kansas farmer’s sweet pivot grew into a destination winery 

August 30, 2024

Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro.  [divide] PAOLA, Kansas — When Mark Allison planted elderberries in 2010 on his 42-acre property in rural Miami County, he didn’t envision making his own wine and opening a tasting…

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Prospect KC finds new home for its fight against food apartheid; culinary training moves to The Paseo

August 30, 2024

A new pairing between The Prospect KC and Nourish KC sets the table for transformation within Kansas City’s food deserts, said award-winning Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, announcing the relocation of her social enterprise and its game-changing culinary training program. The collaboration combines the strengths of both organizations in their fights against hunger, leaders said, with The…

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GEWKC just launched its 2024 lineup; Here are three of the can’t-miss entrepreneur events

August 30, 2024

Inspiration — and top honors — are on the calendar this fall as registration launches for Kansas City’s busiest week in entrepreneurship. Among the headline events for the connection-packed summit: two grants competitions and a new-to-GEW celebration of Kansas City innovation. Organizers this week released the official schedule for the in-person Nov. 19-21 Global Entrepreneurship Week –…

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