Austin Barnes

Recent Articles by Austin Barnes

How one small town Missouri entrepreneur built a professional video business in a town of 10,000

August 16, 2024

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] HARRISONVILLE, Missouri — Byron Brooks received his first video…

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Ruby Jean’s founder juices up STL small biz accelerator as entrepreneur in residence

August 15, 2024

Chris Goode is sharing the fruits of his business success as the Ruby Jean’s Juicery founder takes on the apron of “entrepreneur in residence” for a Missouri program aimed at supporting Black and Latinx small businesses in St. Louis. In his role with the WEPower All-Industry Accelerator, Goode will guide 10 small businesses through a…

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Your neighbors have stories you’ve never heard; this podcast duo is giving them the mic

August 15, 2024

Kansas City natives Jose “JL” Leon Jr. and Daniel “D.Rod” Rodriguez are on a mission to create community — not controversy — with a podcast showcasing untold stories of underrepresented leaders and entrepreneurs — people who contribute to the fabric of Kansas City, but don’t always make headlines. “The more you get to know someone, the…

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Hair entrepreneur goes beyond business to tackle a community need

August 14, 2024

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] ST. LOUIS — Braiding hair for over 20 years,…

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M25 rankings: Startup hubs are slowing; why KC could be losing ground to Midwest neighbors

August 13, 2024

Kansas City’s startup scene is walking a fine line between flat and stagnant, said Victor Gutwein, teasing caution and other insights into KC’s No. 11 ranking — a position it’s held since 2022 — on M25’s latest Midwest startup cities list. “We’re seeing fewer startups (registered in our datasource Pitchbook) than we used to in Kansas…

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Wichita Startup Week rallying nonprofits (and Bill Nye ‘The Science Guy’) to celebrate entrepreneurs

August 13, 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] WICHITA — Entrepreneurship and innovation advocates on Tuesday announced plans for an unprecedented, power-packed week of high-profile events and programs — all fueled by a new coalition of nonprofits that…

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Venue design for 2028 LA Olympics scores early win for KC firm on Intuit Dome team

August 13, 2024

As eyes turn from Paris to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, Lenexa-based Henderson Engineers is finishing its work on a $2 billion NBA arena project that ultimately will host games for the LA Clippers and Olympians from across the globe. “It’s no secret that Kansas City is a sports mecca when it comes…

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Kansas City entrepreneurs chosen for startup competition focused on health tech

August 13, 2024

WICHITA — Health innovation is a global priority, said organizers of the latest NXTSTAGE cohort, announcing nearly a dozen finalists and solutions hailing from Kansas City to France. Ten companies were selected for the 2024 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS). Finalists include startups working to…

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Becca Castro redesigned, rebooted LaunchKC; now she’ll lead KCSourceLink, one of KC’s premier startup champions

August 13, 2024

KCSourceLink’s new director and network builder brings more than two decades of experience and a shared passion for helping aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs grow their businesses, leaders of the organization said Tuesday. Becca Castro, who most recently led LaunchKC from within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC), begins the role Aug. 19. “I’m…

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At least 9 storefronts hit in overnight crime spree; entrepreneurs want to shatter idea it’s a Troost-only problem

August 9, 2024

Break-ins point to challenge beyond Kansas City’s east side, say small business owners A recent mini crime wave — stretching from the Crossroads Arts District to Troost Avenue and Brookside — mirrors a series of break-ins and vandalism incidents at the Country Club Plaza and beyond, business owners said, reflecting a citywide danger that demands…

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