Joyce Smith

Recent Articles by Joyce Smith

Pipeline doubles-down on diverse voices: Meet its new class of Pathfinder entrepreneurs

February 7, 2025

Programs built to support emerging founders who are primed to break through — despite entering entrepreneurship from a different starting point — have never been more needed, said Melissa Vincent, announcing the newest class of Pipeline Pathfinders. “In today’s climate, programs like Pathfinder are not just valuable — they’re essential,” said Vincent, CEO of Pipeline…

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Pipeline adds top founders to its network: Meet 14 fellows tasked with building the Midwest together 

February 7, 2025

The newest class of Pipeline fellows embodies the elite Midwest network’s founder-first focus on industry-agnostic collaboration and support, said Melissa Vincent, noting the power of tapping barrier-breaking perspectives to solve problems and build world-class companies side by side. “We have an incredible depth of entrepreneurs who are all focused on building high-growth, scalable businesses, but…

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State of the City: Combating crime among most urgent issues amid uncertain times, mayor says

February 7, 2025

Kansas City’s future hinges on smart investments in public safety, small businesses, and infrastructure, Mayor Quinton Lucas said Thursday in his annual State of the City address.  Speaking directly to city leaders and residents, Lucas painted a picture of a community on the rise — but facing pressing challenges that require bold action. “As cities…

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Chicken N Pickle splits spotlight with the Chiefs as FOX News broadcasts live from OP location

February 6, 2025

While the national focus this week is on football — and the Kansas City Chiefs’ drive for their third straight Super Bowl championship on Sunday — hometown pickleball got its share of the spotlight early Thursday thanks to a visit from “FOX & Friends” co-host Steve Doocy. Doocy — a Kansas City Chiefs fan who…

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Crows Coffee expanding to Troost with on-site roasting, wholesale bakery (and eventually a new social activation)

February 5, 2025

A decade after opening the first Crows Coffee and two more cafes later, owner Zach Moores is undertaking a major expansion — this time with a project encompassing more than 10,500 square feet on Troost Avenue. While much larger than he planned, the two buildings Moores recently purchased pushed him to expand his vision for…

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How the Chiefs inspired this Kansas City immigrant to embrace his new home (and start his own business)

February 5, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. [divide] Robert Galica, an immigrant from Mexico City and a Chiefs fanatic, started hosting tailgates at Arrowhead Stadium in a school…

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Brimming with gratitude: Super Bowl caps viral popularity as KC-stitched hat brand returns home

February 5, 2025

When Taylor Webb watches the Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl rematch Sunday from a crowded spot at Power & Light, he’ll be surrounded by friends and fellow Chiefs fans — and with any luck, a sea of caps bearing his trendsetting signature upside-down “Kansas City” design. Odds are good for the Kansas City native, who recently relocated…

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TokenTourney reimagines fantasy sports play; adding charities, businesses to its roster

February 5, 2025

Kansas City-built TokenTourney puts users’ dreams as close as the end of a bracket; now its founders are rallying behind a new effort to team up with charities and businesses who want to engage younger consumers through the tournament-style app. “TokenTourney allows the average person to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences and luxury prizes that they otherwise…

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Start small, build demand, then scale: Founders offer blueprint to creating streetwear brands that outlast today’s trend

February 4, 2025

With Kansas City’s often-crowded apparel scene mobbed by designers hoping to cash in on the Chiefs’ Super Bowl success, building a lasting brand is about much more than just having a good idea that meets the moment, said Vu Radley. “You have to know your ‘why’, who you are and why you’re doing it,” the…

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‘You deserve to be there’: Young producer earns spot on broadcast team for Chiefs-Eagles Super Bowl

February 4, 2025

From a spot high above the field at Caesars Superdome, Caroline Muth hopes to help usher in the sound of history this Super Bowl Sunday, the Kansas City native shared. Win or lose, she’s already making (and controlling) waves in the male-dominated world of sports broadcasting, her team said. Muth is headed for a radio…

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