Startland News
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Kansas City-based nonprofit news organization dedicated to humanizing entrepreneurship by covering startups, small businesses, and innovation while amplifying untold stories to inspire and inform. Visit StartlandNews.com for trending headlines.
Small businesses don’t stay small on purpose, said Colby Kraus, echoing a mantra popular among organizers of the Main Street Summit — an immersive downtown experience rich with enough Americana capital for entrepreneurs and community builders from all walks of life.
How Main Street Summit is putting homegrown small business on stage with Tim Tebow
Small businesses don’t stay small on purpose, said Colby Kraus, echoing a mantra popular among organizers of the Main Street Summit — an immersive downtown experience rich with enough Americana…
www.startlandnews.com
October 17, 2025 at 9:49 PM
Small businesses don’t stay small on purpose, said Colby Kraus, echoing a mantra popular among organizers of the Main Street Summit — an immersive downtown experience rich with enough Americana capital for entrepreneurs and community builders from all walks of life.
Owners of the award-winning Bar K dog bar — a popular destination for four-legged Kansas Citians and their friends — announced its closure Tuesday, after nearly a decade in business that saw the concept expand to St. Louis and Oklahoma City before suddenly shuttering all operations.
Bar K dog bar closes all locations, calling out KC riverfront construction, rising inflation
Owners of the award-winning Bar K dog bar — a popular destination for four-legged Kansas Citians and their friends — announced its closure Tuesday, after nearly a decade in business that saw the…
www.startlandnews.com
July 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Owners of the award-winning Bar K dog bar — a popular destination for four-legged Kansas Citians and their friends — announced its closure Tuesday, after nearly a decade in business that saw the concept expand to St. Louis and Oklahoma City before suddenly shuttering all operations.
When Wes Elder and Caleb Vetter launched CreatorSpace more than a year ago, they set out to carve their own path through the blended world of entertainment and technology, Elder shared. Now their startup — what they bill as the world’s first creator marketplace — is taking a new turn.
KC-built creator marketplace expands to connect small businesses to influencers of all sizes – Startland News
“We need to bring the influencer community and creative community together — because there's a lot of them here and it's fragmented,” Wes Elder said. “They don't talk to each other and they don't…
www.startlandnews.com
July 13, 2025 at 4:43 PM
When Wes Elder and Caleb Vetter launched CreatorSpace more than a year ago, they set out to carve their own path through the blended world of entertainment and technology, Elder shared. Now their startup — what they bill as the world’s first creator marketplace — is taking a new turn.
A prestigious — and relatively new-to-Kansas City — resource for high-net-worth C-suite leaders and successful entrepreneurs and founders is expanding: Tiger 21, a premier peer membership organization for ultra-wealth creators and preservers, is adding a second group.
Tiger 21 expands its invite-only peer network in KC as number of ultra-wealthy leaders rises – Startland News
A prestigious — and relatively new-to-Kansas City — resource for high-net-worth C-suite leaders and successful entrepreneurs and founders is expanding: Tiger 21, a premier peer membership…
www.startlandnews.com
July 12, 2025 at 10:02 PM
A prestigious — and relatively new-to-Kansas City — resource for high-net-worth C-suite leaders and successful entrepreneurs and founders is expanding: Tiger 21, a premier peer membership organization for ultra-wealth creators and preservers, is adding a second group.
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Matchless Cabinet — a direct-to-consumer modular aluminum cabinetry company.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Matchless Cabinet — a direct-to-consumer modular aluminum cabinetry company.
Small Biz to Watch: Matchless Cabinet throws ‘BBQ nerds’ onto national spotlight’s grill – Startland News
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the…
www.startlandnews.com
July 12, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Matchless Cabinet — a direct-to-consumer modular aluminum cabinetry company.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Matchless Cabinet — a direct-to-consumer modular aluminum cabinetry company.
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Deposit the Work — a group fitness and private training company.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Deposit the Work — a group fitness and private training company.
Small Biz to Watch: Deposit The Work builds mass with tech-enabled consistency — no excuses, all grit – Startland News
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the…
www.startlandnews.com
July 11, 2025 at 10:07 PM
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Deposit the Work — a group fitness and private training company.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Deposit the Work — a group fitness and private training company.
The Culinary Center of Kansas City plans a late 2025 or an early 2026 opening in the former Ombra small plates + librations spot in The Village at Briarcliff, 4161 N. Mulberry St. in the Northland. The space will be remodeled.
Culinary Center cooking with plans to expand from Overland Park into Northland shops – Startland News
“We had a broad vision for a company, especially coming out of the pandemic, that would bring people together,” said Darren Palmet, co-owner of the experience-based business. “The kitchen is where a…
www.startlandnews.com
July 10, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The Culinary Center of Kansas City plans a late 2025 or an early 2026 opening in the former Ombra small plates + librations spot in The Village at Briarcliff, 4161 N. Mulberry St. in the Northland. The space will be remodeled.
Local artists can have a hand in creating public art to accompany a planned skate park between River Market and the West Bottoms; Riders in the area hope the site becomes a hub for the local skateboarding community.
KCMO is building a skate park under the Buck O’Neil Bridge (and tagging artists for the blank canvas)
Local artists can have a hand in creating public art to accompany a planned skate park between River Market and the West Bottoms. Riders in the area hope the site becomes a hub for the local…
www.startlandnews.com
July 10, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Local artists can have a hand in creating public art to accompany a planned skate park between River Market and the West Bottoms; Riders in the area hope the site becomes a hub for the local skateboarding community.
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Chick-in-waffle.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Chick-in-waffle.
Startland News: Startups, small business, tech, makers, entrepreneurs
Startland News is a nonprofit newsroom covering KC's innovation community of startups, entrepreneurs, makers, creatives and risk-takers.
www.startlandnews.com
July 10, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Chick-in-waffle.
The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Chick-in-waffle.
A pair of high-profile projects at 18th and Vine offer just a few notes from a chorus of just-funded redevelopment initiatives aimed at buoying small business and tackling challenges in Kansas City’s urban core.
These 15 KCMO projects just got a $19M+ boost; funding focused on inclusive community investments
A pair of high-profile projects at 18th and Vine — restoring the Boone Theater and its Kansas City jazz legacy, along with transforming the long-vacant Workhouse Castle into a boutique hotel — offer…
www.startlandnews.com
July 9, 2025 at 10:03 PM
A pair of high-profile projects at 18th and Vine offer just a few notes from a chorus of just-funded redevelopment initiatives aimed at buoying small business and tackling challenges in Kansas City’s urban core.
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.
Fund Me, KC: ULAH asks Kansas City to help save Westwood menswear store as pandemic debt looms
"We know it’s a lot to ask, and we don’t take it lightly," Joey Mendez and Buck Wimberly said of the $280,000 campaign. "ULAH has always been about lifting others up. We’ve made mistakes, we’ve…
www.startlandnews.com
July 9, 2025 at 4:43 PM
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.
The latest crop of Digital Sandbox KC companies — earning up to $20,000 in project funding for their concepts — are poised to make significant impacts within their industries, said Jill Meyer, noting a through-line from digital health to AI-powered construction and fantasy sports solutions.
Meet 7 startups just funded to turn potential into Kansas City-built tech innovation
The latest crop of Digital Sandbox KC companies — earning up to $20,000 in project funding for their concepts — are poised to make significant impacts within their industries, said Jill Meyer, noting…
www.startlandnews.com
July 8, 2025 at 10:03 PM
The latest crop of Digital Sandbox KC companies — earning up to $20,000 in project funding for their concepts — are poised to make significant impacts within their industries, said Jill Meyer, noting a through-line from digital health to AI-powered construction and fantasy sports solutions.
We're showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through our first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Someday Sunday — a natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and nut-free body care brand.
Small Biz to Watch: Someday Sunday opens the door to me-time without guilt (or toxins) – Startland News
Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through the newsroom’s first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the…
www.startlandnews.com
July 8, 2025 at 6:38 PM
We're showcasing five Kansas City small businesses this week through our first-ever Small Biz to Watch series, presented by Bank of America. The following highlights one of the 2025 honorees, Someday Sunday — a natural, vegan, cruelty-free, and nut-free body care brand.
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’ transforms coworking space into the scene of a post-apocalyptic Shakespearean tragedy
“One day when the elevator wasn’t working, I came down and I saw how dark it was,” Kansas City artist and designer Keyon Monte recalled. “I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is crazy. This could be a great…
www.startlandnews.com
July 5, 2025 at 4:43 PM
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.
Throughout his career as a car salesman and mortgage broker, Brad Staples felt a calling toward entrepreneurship, he said. And when those industries ran dry, the Missouri native realized it was time to try on a familiar hat: running a family business.
Family history, franchise model help second-chapter entrepreneur jump business obstacles
Throughout his career as a car salesman and mortgage broker, Brad Staples felt a calling toward entrepreneurship, he said. And when those industries ran dry, the Missouri native realized it was time…
www.startlandnews.com
July 4, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Throughout his career as a car salesman and mortgage broker, Brad Staples felt a calling toward entrepreneurship, he said. And when those industries ran dry, the Missouri native realized it was time to try on a familiar hat: running a family business.
In June, a Matchless Cabinet set was featured on the iconic daytime game show “The Price is Right.” The company reports continued growth, expanding recently into Canada with interest from as far away as Europe and Australia.
Flipping from side-hustle to full-time requires grind behind glory
Jason Taylor walked away from big tech for good in January — leaving behind a dream résumé that included a long engineering career at Microsoft, then Google, for the freedom to pursue what had once…
www.startlandnews.com
July 4, 2025 at 4:43 PM
In June, a Matchless Cabinet set was featured on the iconic daytime game show “The Price is Right.” The company reports continued growth, expanding recently into Canada with interest from as far away as Europe and Australia.
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.
Can builders restore the promise of ‘the most courageous startup the world has ever seen?’
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…
www.startlandnews.com
July 4, 2025 at 3:48 PM
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.
“This is such a big jump up for us,” said Atit Patel, describing the journey to Cosmo Burger’s newly opened location at 1815 Locust St. “This space is more than doubling our total square footage. So a lot to digest.”
Cosmo Burger brings its mouth-watering tots, boozy milkshakes to East Crossroads’ bustling streets of eats – Startland News
Bringing Cosmo Burger to the Crossroads required cousins Atit and Jugal Patel to cook their plans to perfection, serving up the brand’s first full-service brick-and-mortar location after years of…
www.startlandnews.com
July 4, 2025 at 3:45 PM
“This is such a big jump up for us,” said Atit Patel, describing the journey to Cosmo Burger’s newly opened location at 1815 Locust St. “This space is more than doubling our total square footage. So a lot to digest.”
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 building a future worth staying for, he said.
Coming home to KC: Brandon Haggard is sharpening his axe with humility
“I wanted my next chapter to mean something,” Brandon Haggard said. “There were opportunities out there that offered great salaries or clear-cut roles, but what I was looking for was impact. And…
www.startlandnews.com
June 27, 2025 at 10:02 PM
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 building a future worth staying for, he said.
Dontavious Young is betting on the next generation, he said. As founder of Equal Minded Café and the Big Ideas Foundation, Young is creating space for high school students to build businesses, find purpose, and take ownership of their futures.
How Equal Minded Café crowdfunded its coffee shop youth incubator’s next blend
Dontavious Young is betting on the next generation, he said. As founder of Equal Minded Café and the Big Ideas Foundation, Young is creating space for high school students to build businesses, find…
www.startlandnews.com
June 27, 2025 at 4:43 PM
Dontavious Young is betting on the next generation, he said. As founder of Equal Minded Café and the Big Ideas Foundation, Young is creating space for high school students to build businesses, find purpose, and take ownership of their futures.
Dos Lokos Sports Cantina plans a September opening at 401 Westport Road (the former Fountain Haus). The owners — who couldn’t stop smiling Thursday — celebrated by popping champagne outside as curious bystanders looked on.
Dos Lokos trio bringing family recipes, culture to former Fountain Haus spot in Westport
This immense venue — on the corner of bustling Westport Road and Broadway — has been dark for nearly a year and a half. A new tenant expects to have a new, family-run restaurant in the space by fall.
www.startlandnews.com
June 27, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Dos Lokos Sports Cantina plans a September opening at 401 Westport Road (the former Fountain Haus). The owners — who couldn’t stop smiling Thursday — celebrated by popping champagne outside as curious bystanders looked on.
Overland Park-based CarePilot recently announced a $2.5 million seed round led by coastal investor Mucker Capital. The round also notably included investment from KCRise Fund, which touted founder Tutera’s impressive understanding of how to build a tech enterprise.
Investors laud emerging founder’s expertise as CarePilot logs $2.5M for AI healthtech tool
It’s rare for a regional venture capital firm like KCRise Fund to invest in an entrepreneur just out of college, the Midwest-focused firm told Startland News, detailing the remarkable talent that led…
www.startlandnews.com
June 26, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Overland Park-based CarePilot recently announced a $2.5 million seed round led by coastal investor Mucker Capital. The round also notably included investment from KCRise Fund, which touted founder Tutera’s impressive understanding of how to build a tech enterprise.
The menu at 1116 Grand Blvd. — the former KC Daiquiri Shop — includes such loaded baked potato options as The Brisket with hot or cold cheese, sauteed onions and a choice of sauce; and the chicken with butter, cheese, pico de gallo, sauteed onions, sour cream, green onions and parsley.
Downtown restaurant fires up the summertime bar and grill in former KC Daiquiri Shop – Startland News
Matthew Hill’s appetite for joining the family business — as a restauranteur — took a big bite forward this month as he opened AJ’s Bar & Grill on Grand Boulevard in downtown Kansas City.
www.startlandnews.com
June 26, 2025 at 4:43 PM
The menu at 1116 Grand Blvd. — the former KC Daiquiri Shop — includes such loaded baked potato options as The Brisket with hot or cold cheese, sauteed onions and a choice of sauce; and the chicken with butter, cheese, pico de gallo, sauteed onions, sour cream, green onions and parsley.
A side quest for $5 burger baskets and cheap beers has matured into a tech platform built to help a wide range of users easily discover local deals, said Blake Coffee, noting his startup deepens small businesses’ engagement with their communities.
Startup launching app to help newcomers, natives connect to local small biz deals
A side quest for $5 burger baskets and cheap beers has matured into a tech platform built to help a wide range of users easily discover local deals, said Blake Coffee, noting his startup deepens…
www.startlandnews.com
June 25, 2025 at 10:02 PM
A side quest for $5 burger baskets and cheap beers has matured into a tech platform built to help a wide range of users easily discover local deals, said Blake Coffee, noting his startup deepens small businesses’ engagement with their communities.
The acquisition of Kansas City-built Athlete Network — a platform designed to foster lifelong connections between student-athletes and athletic alumni — deepens the startup’s work a decade after it launched, its founder said.
KC-built sports tech startup acquired by AI-powered fundraising, engagement platform
The acquisition of Kansas City-built Athlete Network — a platform designed to foster lifelong connections between student-athletes and athletic alumni — deepens the startup’s work a decade after it…
www.startlandnews.com
June 25, 2025 at 9:19 PM
The acquisition of Kansas City-built Athlete Network — a platform designed to foster lifelong connections between student-athletes and athletic alumni — deepens the startup’s work a decade after it launched, its founder said.