Startland News Staff
Recent Articles by Startland News Staff
KCMO awards another $100K to help businesses boost outdoor dining ahead of World Cup
A fresh round of funding for upgraded outdoor dining experiences at small businesses across Kansas City, Missouri, will put entrepreneurs ahead of the game when World Cup revelers arrive in 2026, city officials said Thursday. Twelve recipients were chosen this week to receive their slice of $100,000 from KCMO’s Outdoor Dining Enhancement Grant Program —…
KC’s pro pickleball team getting new $6.5M home near Arrowhead, Kauffman Stadium
A long-awaited redevelopment project in Kansas City’s stadium corridor is transforming the former CoCo Key Water resort into a vibrant destination pickleball facility with eight indoor courts, a full-service bar and restaurant, a coffee shop, and event spaces. It also will be home to the Kansas City Stingers, a professional team in the National Pickleball…
Entrepreneur duo uses KC Current blueprint to acquire Danish football, build multi-club portfolio
A just-announced deal to purchase a premier women’s football club in Denmark reflects Angie and Chris Long’s unwavering commitment to investing in women’s soccer at the highest level, the couple said, noting they’ll continue their work to raise the bar for players, supporters, and communities both nationally and internationally. Ballard Capital, a sports entertainment-focused investment…
Time runs out for Missouri angel investor tax credit push as legislators close session early
A last-minute effort to pass legislation to boost Missouri entrepreneurs and innovators was thwarted earlier this month when state lawmakers abruptly ended their legislative session, said Jason Wiens, who led advocacy for the creation of a new Show-Me State angel investor tax credit. Amid “escalating partisan tensions” May 14 — and headline grabbing speculation about how…
Student-raised meats graduate to university storefront as consumers look closer at what makes the cut
WARRENSBURG, Mo. — A new partnership puts pork chops, brats and select cuts from across farming projects at the University of Central Missouri in a retail storefront accessible to community members shopping for locally raised meat. UCM Farms — which spans more than 1,000 acres of farm ground within 10 miles of campus — is…
Nonprofit founder, tech people leader join Kauffman as trustees on shared mission: economic inclusivity
The year-long transformation of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation continues this week as the influential philanthropic organization announced two new trustees meant to bolster its rebooted grantmaking strategy and commitment to driving equitable economic mobility in Kansas City. Newly appointed leaders to the Kauffman Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Aimée Eubanks Davis and Kristen Ludgate bring…
Goodwill’s ‘adult high school’ in KC just scored major funding wins (and hired its first leader)
A first-of-its kind adult high school in the region hit two big funding milestones this month, said organizers of the Excel Center, announcing six-figure financial contributions from the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, as well as a key hire. Led by Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas (MoKan…
EquipmentShare launches new flagship store with $21M investment in Grain Valley
A Missouri unicorn is building impact even closer to Kansas City, opening its new 49,000-square-foot Midwest hub for construction and industrial work in eastern Jackson County. The project reflects an investment of more than $21 million by Columbia, Missouri-based EquipmentShare, said Jabbok Schlacks, CEO and co-founder, describing the property costs, value of equipment and salaries…
KC GIFT’s $100K grant — its largest-ever — aims to help boost Black-owned job creator
A newly opened $100,000 grant represents a significant step in Kansas City GIFT’s mission to close the racial wealth gap — investing in Black-owned businesses that have the potential to become significant employers and economic drivers in their communities, said Brandon Calloway. “We exist to right the wrongs of the past and create the economic…
Boulevard launches BBQ beer to help new museum tell Kansas City’s smoky story
It’s a beer that could only happen in Kansas City, said Greg Garrity, teasing Boulevard Brewing Co.’s just-announced bourbon barrel-aged Belgian-style quad — a brew infused with smoked malt and a blend of bold, barbecue-inspired ingredients. Crafted in collaboration with the recently opened Museum of BBQ at Crown Center, the MO’ BBQ release is the…