Elyssa Bezner
Reporter
Recent Articles by Elyssa Bezner
Iron District: Support hungry vendors now — ‘Container Club’ party when this is all over
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. Rachel Kennedy hopes to celebrate the Iron District restauranteurs who…
Jason Grill on election innovation: No one wants to waste time, votes, or health security at polling places right now
Though Kansas Democrats’ transition to mail-in ballots for the coming primary is itself increasingly important because of COVID-19 and social distancing concerns, the initiative — when paired with Ranked Choice Voting — will eliminate “wasted votes” and empower voters, said Jason Grill. “It’s just a better way. It’s innovative. It’s something that more people are…
Mysterious comic character resurfaces, offering an escape from unpredictable times
Buttman is missing? Well, he might just be out hunting toilet paper like everyone else. About a month before Kansas City workers were forced to abandon their downtown offices in response to the city’s Stay At Home order and ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, a strange series of “missing” posters papered the Crossroads Arts District. Illustrator…
‘Never used like this before’: KC-built biosurveillance, sensor tech, disinfectant firms poised for team COVID-19 battle
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. Kansas City companies are expected to play a role on…
Innovation lab pivots to CollegeMatch tool after teens prompt developers to ditch, do-over concept
Editor’s note: Anita Newton is a board member of STARTLAND, the ecosystem building organization that operates Startland News. This story was produced independently by Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom. Hiring a teen advisory board to assist the development of CommunityAmerica Credit Union’s new CollegeMatch tool proved helpful — though the team had to scrap everything to…
Swap selfie for selfless: ‘afloat’ app allows users to send, receive care in times of need
Community-centered social platforms have the power to encourage connection and leave users with good feelings, said Sarah-Allen Preston. But most social media falls short. “That [current] connection that we have so much of at our fingertips … it feels inauthentic and it makes us frazzled and it’s inhibiting our ability to actually connect with people….
$200K funding infusion helps Homeroom expand its ‘coliving’ footprint across KC, beyond
Flexing a finalized $200,000 funding round, Prairie Village-based coliving startup Homeroom is poised to dominate the Midwestern half of an emerging industry, said Johnny Wolff. “I think in 2016 [coliving] was a little niche maybe, but it feels like the market is really emerging and establishing itself — it’s a really interesting space to be…
Adapting, but preparing for the worst: Curbside KC site helps restaurants pivot to takeout-only mandate
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. Kansas City’s restaurant scene already is struggling amid Coronavirus (COVID-19)…
Boddle offers free access to its edtech platform as remote learning surges during COVID-19 school shutdown
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. Widespread school shutdowns because of Coronavirus (COVID-19) doubled Kansas City…
Chit chat on the elevator? RiskGenius targets missing ‘adulting’ soft skills with event series
College curriculum often falls short of the crucial soft skills to get young entrepreneurs from coffee chats to the head of the table, said Kaylee Chappelow. “I don’t want to say college sucks … but I think we all agree that it doesn’t touch on the soft skills,” laughed Chappelow, customer success manager at insurtech…