Startland News Staff
Sometimes we share credit. The “Staff Writer” byline appears on stories reported, written, or edited collaboratively by members of the Startland News team — especially for quick hits and breaking news.
Recent Articles by Startland News Staff
PayIt forward: Kansas renews contract with KC tech company that took DMV headaches off the road
For the more than 1 million Kansans who’ve already avoided long lines at the DMV thanks to PayIt’s award-winning digital payments platform, that experience — and others — will only get more convenient with the mobile-first technology’s Sunflower State renewal through at least 2026. PayIt this week announced a new deal with the State of…
Bill to help ease veterans’ transition from military to business passes US House with KC leaders in the trenches
A legislative effort to boost support for U.S. military veterans pursuing a new chapter as entrepreneurs now heads to the U.S. Senate — buoyed by broad partisan support and championed by two members of Kansas City’s congressional delegation. The Successful Entrepreneurship for Reservists and Veterans SERV Act successfully passed in the U.S. House of Representatives this…
Porter House KC earns $400K in renewed support for inclusive entrepreneurship, retail incubator
Support from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation is expected to help The Porter House KC make good on its founders’ promise to help emerging entrepreneurs in their community get their promising ventures off the ground, said Dan Smith. “Like many of the small business owners that we encounter, we started our organization based on a need…
PayIt appoints new president and COO as fast-scaling KC govtech company hits pivotal moment
A veteran govtech leader is joining one of Kansas City’s best-known scale-ups as the company eyes a new era of growth and the expansion of its national and international footprint. PayIt — a leader in digital customer experience solutions with integrated payments for state, local, and provincial governments — announced on Thursday the appointment of…
Digital Health KC earns $2M federal grant, doubled by matching funds from Kauffman Foundation
Three weeks after Kansas City’s designation as a U.S. “Tech Hub,” the region has earned “tremendous funding to jumpstart KC’s digital health cluster,” said Maria Meyers, informally announcing a $2 million federal grant — matched by an award from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. The Build to Scale grant was awarded to the University of…
KC lawmakers backing legislation to boost re-entry for veterans becoming entrepreneurs
Veterans who return to the workforce as entrepreneurs face unique challenges when exiting full-time military life, said Brian Newton. A bipartisan push by two members of Kansas City’s delegation to the U.S. House could ease the transition for veterans-turned-small business owners. “My father was a career Marine and I served for a decade myself, with…
PayIt on board the Harriet II, Montgomery Zoo; new portal offers ticketing for popular local attractions
A new digital platform designed by Kansas City-based PayIt not only provides improved interactions between residents of Montgomery, Alabama, and their local city government — the tool also offers ticket sales for some of the region’s most popular tourist attractions. PayIt — with headquarters in downtown Kansas City’s lightwell building — already boasts partnerships with…
GreenLight Fund’s $1.2M investment brings two nonprofits focused on food security to KC
GreenLight Fund Kansas City recently announced a $1.2 million investment spread over four years to bring nonprofit solutions mRelief and Food Connect to the Kansas City region, addressing food security through responsive approaches to dignified food access. The two organizations have already begun work in Kansas City. mRelief uses technology to remove traditional barriers in the Supplemental Nutrition…
AltCap Your Biz reveals 10 finalists vying for $25K grand prize at cornerstone GEWKC event
A competition aimed at mobilizing the next generation of entrepreneurs and social innovators — along with awarding more than $40,000 in cash prizes to its winners — announced Monday the 10 finalists vying for its 2023 honors. AltCap Your Biz returns to the stage Thursday, Nov. 16 at Plexpod Westport at Park 39 as part…
Donutology’s trolley adds new flavor to River Market with streetcar shop stop’s opening
Kansas City’s new treat trolley has arrived with Friday’s opening of the new Donutology donut shop within a 70-year-old repurposed streetcar in River Market. Just a few months after news broke that Donutology would take over the space at 426 Delaware St. — formerly a Made in KC micro location — the business opened its…