Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

Recent Articles by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu

‘America the Entrepreneurial’: Can builders restore the promise of ‘the most courageous startup the world has ever seen?’ 

July 3, 2025

Risk-takers set the story of the United States of America in motion, said Victor W. Hwang, lamenting a modern day reality where needless barriers too often work against entrepreneurs and young businesses. An upcoming milestone birthday for the nation offers a focal point for restoring a coast-to-coast commitment to supporting builders and dreamers, he said,…

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This Blue Valley teen uses AI to research cancer; Trump’s budget cuts could halt his work

July 2, 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] An Overland Park high schooler traveled to Washington, D.C., to advocate for cancer research funding after the Trump administration proposed…

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KC arts groups ‘left reeling’ after MO governor slashes millions from budget

July 2, 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] Months after area arts and culture nonprofits saw a loss of funds from the National Endowment for the Arts, Gov.…

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Transportation company’s move to consolidated HQ expected to bring 250 workers to KC site

July 1, 2025

Consolidating five locations into a single, state-of-the-art Kansas City campus means Master’s Transportation — a leading provider of commercial buses and vans — will relocate 130 Missouri employees to its new headquarters, with plans to expand to 250 by the end of the year, the company said. “This expansion reflects the company’s rapid growth and…

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Inspiration took him to a dark space; why ‘Macbeth KC’ creator wants to trap audiences in a world with no heroes

July 1, 2025

An immersive experience set in a post-apocalyptic world — the brainchild of Kansas City artist and designer Keyon Monte — transforms an iconic Shakespearean tragedy into a warped, high-fashion human drama staged within a downtown coworking space. “Macbeth KC” removes the polish and distance often seen in adaptations of William Shakespeare’s works, said Monte, describing…

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Marma launches sister brand to fit weight loss support with women’s health needs

July 1, 2025

Weight loss support wasn’t originally in the plans for Marma — the only OB-GYN and registered dietician-approved nutrition platform for women during their reproductive years — shared co-founder Meredith McAllister.  But with the rise of GLP-1 medications, she and co-founder Victoria Weber saw the opportunity for a nourishing, evidence-based approach to weight loss support. In…

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Game on: Kauffman adds 37 nonprofits to its just-funded roster, building impact capacity ahead of World Cup

July 1, 2025

Efforts to boost economic mobility across Kansas City and beyond needn’t follow a well-worn playbook, Kauffman Foundation officials said, announcing a range of newly funded initiatives — from grassroots entrepreneurial training to World Cup-focused public-private partnerships to capital access expansion. The influential philanthropic organization announced this week it awarded $8.5 million in grants to 37…

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Fund Me, KC: Portrayals XR crowdfunds next step in building its immersive healing space

July 1, 2025

Startland News is continuing its long-running “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Tricia Keightley and her immersive healing platform — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially gain backing from…

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Entrepreneur turns to Missouri elderberries to unlock treatment alternative, wellness brand

June 28, 2025

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 — As a mother frustrated by years…

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Coming home to KC: Brandon Haggard is sharpening his axe with humility

June 27, 2025

Editor’s note: The following story was written and first published by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC). Click here to read the original story. [divide] For Brandon Haggard, returning to the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC) wasn’t just a career decision. It was a commitment — to impact, Kansas City, and…

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