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In the face of market uncertainty, one thing private companies can control is their “transaction-readiness” for an IPO or secondary offering. Discover three things a company may do to become “transaction-ready” in today’s market.

Staying transaction-ready in uncertain market conditions

Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further.

A singer and songwriter herself, Briggs — who performs solo and in bands as Zee Underscore, and notably featured this summer at Boulevardia — founded ZNTL Entertainment to help artists seeking quality, positive, and fun performance venues.

Zee underscores artists’ need for positive venues; creative powerhouse opens pocket of support Zahra Briggs developed her creative voice in Kansas City; now she’s setting the stage for fellow independent artists who struggle to find venues that match their vibe — and often have to pay to perform. She’s even creating a version of herself in the metaverse to open access further.

Thanks to a recent federal grant — along with a newly secured patent on its first-of-its-kind, proprietary facial recognition tech for cows — MyAnIML is proving its place as a leader within a herd of ag innovation, Shekhar Gupta said.

The Overland Park startup received a 250,000 Phase I grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), which only funds high-tech proposals, detailed Gupta, founder and CEO of the agtech company and one of Startland News’ Kansas City Startups to Watch in 2022.

MyAnIML earns NSF funding, patent; now facing new phase of growth with industry validation Thanks to a recent federal grant — along with a newly secured patent on its first-of-its-kind, proprietary facial recognition tech for cows — MyAnIML is proving its place as a leader within a herd of ag innovation, Shekhar Gupta said.

Westport nightlife is set for transformation as a sweeping expansion adds seven late-night hotspots to the historic entertainment district — anchored by a new bar catering specifically to Kansas City’s LGBTQ+ community.

Q Kansas City — a collaboration with Lance Pierce of Q***r Bar Takeover — is expected open its doors in October at 504 Westport Road, the former Johnny Kaw’s spot next to Kelly’s Westport Inn.

KC's next LGBTQ+ space wants to be more than just a raging club Q Kansas City — a collaboration with Lance Pierce of Q***r Bar Takeover — is expected open its doors in October at 504 Westport Road, the former Johnny Kaw’s spot next to Kelly’s Westport Inn.

Chef Justin Clark’s latest venture — an eatery that blends Asian and soul food influences — aims to not only blur the boundaries between menus, but break down dividing lines within and between communities.

“The goal was to create familiar items that everyone actually can relate to as Americans, but then again, we add some international flavors and some techniques in there to kind of create that fusion,” said Clark, detailing the concept behind his new Urban restaurant at 3420 Troost Ave., which incorporates Mexican and Spanish ingredients alongside dishes that likely will remind diners of the comfort of an Asian restaurant.

Chef brings Urban concept back to Troost; $25K GIFT grant boosts fight against gentrification Chef Justin Clark’s latest venture — an eatery that blends Asian and soul food influences — aims to not only blur the boundaries between menus, but break down dividing lines within and between communities. “The goal was to create familiar items that everyone actually can relate to as America...

Byron Brooks received his first video camera when he was 14 and hasn’t looked back, he says, starting his own video production business before he even finished high school.

The Harrisonville, Missouri, native – who launched Midwestern Ox Productions in January 2022, just months before he graduated — was initially inspired to pursue a career in film after watching “It’s a Wonderful Life” at Christmas time with his family when he was 13.

How one small town Missouri entrepreneur built a professional video business in a town of 10,000 The Harrisonville native — who got his first professional camera from his parents for graduation — is shooting weddings, political ads, real estate walkthroughs, local commercials and rodeo portfolios; plus, he has even partnered with his local chamber of commerce to make a history series about ...

Kansas City natives Jose “JL” Leon Jr. and Daniel “D.Rod” Rodriguez are on a mission to create community — not controversy — with a podcast showcasing untold stories of underrepresented leaders and entrepreneurs — people who contribute to the fabric of Kansas City, but don’t always make headlines.

“The more you get to know someone, the more you realize how much you have in common,” said JL, co-host of the Enterrupt KC podcast alongside his uncle, D.Rod. “It’s about finding those connections and telling authentic stories.”

Your neighbors have stories you’ve never heard; this podcast duo is giving them the mic Kansas City natives Jose “JL” Leon Jr. and Daniel “D.Rod” Rodriguez are on a mission to create community — not controversy — with a podcast showcasing untold stories of underrepresented leaders and entrepreneurs — people who contribute to the fabric of Kansas City, but don’t always m...

Chris Goode is sharing the fruits of his business success as the Ruby Jean’s Juicery founder takes on the apron of “entrepreneur in residence” for a Missouri program aimed at supporting Black and Latinx small businesses in St. Louis.

In his role with the WEPower All-Industry Accelerator, Goode will guide 10 small businesses through a 10-week program using a practical, real-world approach. He plans to combine his successes, failures, and ongoing entrepreneurial journey with Ruby Jean’s Juicery into a no-nonsense methodology within the curriculum.

Ruby Jean’s founder juices up STL small biz accelerator as entrepreneur in residence Chris Goode is sharing the fruits of his business success as the Ruby Jean’s Juicery founder takes on the apron of “entrepreneur in residence” for a Missouri program aimed at supporting Black and Latinx small businesses in St. Louis.

Health innovation is a global priority, said organizers of the latest NXTSTAGE cohort, announcing nearly a dozen finalists and solutions hailing from Kansas City to France.

Ten companies were selected for the 2024 NXTSTAGE Community Health and Vibrancy Pilot Competition, presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas (BCBSKS). Finalists include startups working to enhance healthcare delivery and access, support families and caregivers, address behavioral health needs, provide maternal care from pre-birth to postpartum, and improve community well-being.

Kansas City entrepreneurs chosen for startup competition focused on health tech Health innovation is a global priority, said organizers of the latest NXTSTAGE cohort, announcing nearly a dozen finalists and solutions hailing from Kansas City to France.

Entrepreneurship and innovation advocates on Tuesday announced plans for an unprecedented, power-packed week of high-profile events and programs — all fueled by a new coalition of nonprofits that support Kansas business owners.

Wichita Startup Week is set to return Sept. 30 to Oct. 4, notably earlier in the fall than in past years when programming overlapped with Global Entrepreneurship Week. Among the planned highlights: an appearance by science, education and media personality Bill Nye “The Science Guy.”

Wichita Startup Week rallying nonprofits (and Bill Nye ‘The Science Guy’) to celebrate entrepreneurs Entrepreneurship and innovation advocates on Tuesday announced plans for an unprecedented, power-packed week of high-profile events and programs — all fueled by a new coalition of nonprofits that support Kansas business owners.

Kansas City’s startup scene is walking a fine line between flat and stagnant, said Victor Gutwein, teasing caution and other insights into KC’s No. 11 ranking — a position it’s held since 2022 — on M25’s latest Midwest startup cities list.

“We’re seeing fewer startups (registered in our datasource Pitchbook) than we used to in Kansas City — and that’s worrying,” said Gutwein, founder and managing partner at M25, an influential early-stage venture firm based in Chicago.

Missing from the news: Headlines from Kansas City with hefty multi-million-dollar funding rounds, he noted, with only Sailes’ $5.1 million round (with regional investors KCRise Fund and Tenzing Capital) making a dent.

M25 rankings: Startup hubs are slowing; why KC could be losing ground to Midwest neighbors Kansas City’s startup scene is walking a fine line between flat and stagnant, said Victor Gutwein, teasing caution and other insights into KC’s No. 11 ranking — a position it’s held since 2022 — on M25’s latest Midwest startup cities list.

As eyes turn from Paris to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, Lenexa-based Henderson Engineers is finishing its work on a $2 billion NBA arena project that ultimately will host games for the LA Clippers and Olympians from across the globe.

“It’s no secret that Kansas City is a sports mecca when it comes to our amazing football, baseball, and soccer teams. But our city is also doing some amazing work behind the scenes,” said Eric Taylor, senior mechanical engineer at Henderson Engineers, noting Kansas City’s ascension as the global capital for sports architecture and engineering far ahead of the LA Olympics, set for July 14-30, 2028.

The Intuit Dome in the L.A. suburb of Inglewood, California, is expected to open Thursday and already is slated to be the site of the 2026 NBA All-Star Game.

Venue design for 2028 LA Olympics scores early win for KC firm on Intuit Dome team As eyes turn from Paris to the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, Lenexa-based Henderson Engineers is finishing its work on a $2 billion NBA arena project that ultimately will host games for the LA Clippers and Olympians from across the globe.

KCSourceLink’s new director and network builder brings more than two decades of experience and a shared passion for helping aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs grow their businesses, leaders of the organization said Tuesday.

Becca Castro, who most recently led LaunchKC from within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC), begins the role Aug. 19.

Becca Castro redesigned, rebooted LaunchKC; now she’ll lead KCSourceLink KCSourceLink’s new director and network builder brings more than two decades of experience and a shared passion for helping aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs grow their businesses, leaders of the organization said Tuesday.

A recent mini crime wave — stretching from the Crossroads Arts District to Troost Avenue and Brookside — mirrors a series of break-ins and vandalism incidents at the Country Club Plaza and beyond, business owners said, reflecting a citywide danger that demands a city response.

“When this many businesses get targeted in one night, it’s out of hand,” said Armando Vasquez, co-owner of Anchor Island Coffee, 4101 Troost Ave., which was among six local businesses targeted overnight Aug. 5 in a string of smash and grabs.

Ruby Jean’s Juicery, Buffalo State Pizza Co., PH Coffee, Teocali Mexican Restaurant, Torn Label Brewing Co., The Westside Local, The Mixx, and Nothing Bundt Cakes also were hit.

At least 9 storefronts hit in overnight crime spree; entrepreneurs want to shatter idea it’s a Troost-only problem A recent mini crime wave — stretching from the Crossroads Arts District to Troost Avenue and Brookside — mirrors a series of break-ins and vandalism incidents at the Country Club Plaza and beyond, business owners said, reflecting a citywide danger that demands a city response.

LaunchKC leaders’ hopes and expectations for the popular competition’s grant-winning entrepreneurs go far beyond their final pitches, said Jim Erickson.

“We want all of them to grow and prosper. We want, in 20 to 30 years, for us to be able to drive downtown and see skyscrapers with LaunchKC companies’ names on it, having driven the economy forward for our city,” said Erickson, director of strategic initiatives for The Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC).

Applications for LaunchKC Liftoff — an annual tech startup competition that offers up to seven early-stage tech startups a chance to win $55,000 in non-dilutive grants, downtown real estate, business support, networking, and more to grow their businesses — opens Aug. 14.

Grants competition returning with $55K for each winner; LaunchKC Liftoff applications open Aug. 14 LaunchKC leaders’ hopes and expectations for the popular competition’s grant-winning entrepreneurs go far beyond their final pitches, said Jim Erickson.

Stamp collecting has always been cool, said Erika Ring, whose niche family business connects travelers to a network of souvenir stickers for more than 1,500 bucket-list destinations across the U.S.

Olathe-based Travel Stamps has printed and shipped its commemorative keepsakes from the Heartland since relocating from Moab, Utah, in 2021. The company designs as many as 30 new stamps each month, honoring the travel milestones of its customers.

Olathe company opens mini windows to the world; How Travel Stamps’ 2D souvenirs illustrate adventure Stamp collecting has always been cool, said Erika Ring, whose niche family business connects travelers to a network of souvenir stickers for more than 1,500 bucket-list destinations across the U.S.

Efforts to resolve a dispute over The Prospect KC’s cafe, grocery and culinary training space at 2000 Vine Street have been fruitless, said Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, noting she still hopes to “achieve an equitable and reasonable resolution.”

2000 Vine Street LLC and its owner Timothy Duggan have filed a lawsuit in the Circuit Court of Jackson County against McAfee-Bryant and The Prospect KC. The lawsuit is seeking past due rent and other fees, along with immediate possession of the space.

Award-winning chef fights eviction from 2000 Vine space; attorney calls legal action ‘last resort’ Efforts to resolve a dispute over The Prospect KC’s cafe, grocery and culinary training space at 2000 Vine Street have been fruitless, said Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, noting she still hopes to “achieve an equitable and reasonable resolution.”

Six members of the 2023 VFA fellowship were placed with organizations in Kansas City, and are now impacted by the national nonprofit’s abrupt closure. Those fellows are no longer bound by previous VFA requirements (like working for a partner company or living in a VFA city).

Venture for America abruptly closes; ending fellowship that matched talent with KC startups, VCs A coast-to-coast fellowship program that sought to reinvigorate communities — including Kansas City — by pairing recent college graduates with emerging startups, investment firms, and nonprofits has unexpectedly ceased operations, leaders with Venture for America announced this week.

As Advoteck works to bring its app to market later this year, an equity investment from the Missouri Technology Corporation is expected to help the Kansas City-based startup expand its reach nationwide in the fight against cyber crime.

MTC on Tuesday announced $2.6 million in investments across seven Missouri companies — primarily focused on fostering innovation in tech-driven ventures. Three of the startups are headquartered in Kansas City. Individual funding amounts from the state-sponsored venture capital program were not disclosed.

MTC just awarded $2.6M in investments; three KC tech startups earn state backing As Advoteck works to bring its app to market later this year, an equity investment from the Missouri Technology Corporation is expected to help the Kansas City-based startup expand its reach nationwide in the fight against cyber crime.

In 2020, when Terrence Wise learned the McDonald’s where he worked would be testing a new artificial intelligence program that would help take customers’ drive-thru orders, he was excited to have a “buddy” to help manage orders.

But he quickly learned that the technology did not reduce his workload. Instead, he wore his headset and listened in on the interactions between customers and the AI, making sure the ordering process went smoothly.

Report: AI could displace 110,000 Kansas City jobs; here's who might be most at risk While the human element has limited the growth of artificial intelligence and other automation in some industries as it has flourished in others, that's changed in recent years, said Chris Kuehl. "Since the pandemic, we’ve become a lot more comfortable with that kind of remote interaction.”

Another round of financial support from the Missouri Technology Corporation proves state economic development leaders understand that innovation also runs along main street, said Dan Smith.

The Porter House KC — which just opened its 811 Retail Incubator in late July — is among seven entities just awarded a total of $1.8 million in Physical Infrastructure grants from MTC. The program seeks to ensure Missouri entrepreneurs have access to the physical infrastructure and resources required to launch and grow their businesses.

PHKC earns more state funding for 811 Retail Incubator; MTC boosting small biz Another round of financial support from the Missouri Technology Corporation proves state economic development leaders understand that innovation also runs along main street, said Dan Smith.

A liquor brand distilled from the vision of three Kansas City natives is expanding to Texas after landing national exposure and a key investment meant to elevate minority-owned spirit and beverage companies.

“Pronghorn is just awesome. Their whole mission is to change the face of the spirits industry,” said McCoy. “For women and people of color, their goal is to help them excel.”

KC-infused Rally Gin pours capital investment into plans for expanding the brand south A liquor brand distilled from the vision of three Kansas City natives is expanding to Texas after landing national exposure and a key investment meant to elevate minority-owned spirit and beverage companies.

When GEWKC pulls into Kansas City this fall, the metro’s largest educational entrepreneurship event will be stationed within one of the community’s crown jewels — a link to the past that points to a brighter future for the regions’ innovators, said Chante Keller.

KCSourceLink on Thursday formally announced Union Station as the 2024 base camp for Global Entrepreneurship Week – Kansas City, a multiday event series expected to draw thousands to network, learn and grow Nov. 19-21.

Union Station tapped for GEWKC base camp; training for treps arrives Nov. 19-21 in KC When GEWKC pulls into Kansas City this fall, the metro’s largest educational entrepreneurship event will be stationed within one of the community’s crown jewels — a link to the past that points to a brighter future for the regions’ innovators, said Chante Keller.

The reopening of Thelma’s Kitchen — a pay-what-you-can restaurant on Troost Avenue — not only flips the menu on the “soup kitchen” concept, but serves as an anchor of compassionate, community-focused care in the face of neighborhood gentrification, said Father Justin Mathews.

“We view what we’re doing here as kind of like urban acupressure,” said Mathews, CEO of Reconciliation Services, the parent nonprofit of Thelma’s Kitchen. “It’s a particular pressure point in the body of the city where when you press in a very specific way, it can cause a greater healing that can be multiplied and ripples out from here.”

‘We are each other’s bootstraps’: Pay-what-you-can cafe says pressure to serve neighbors is back The reopening of Thelma’s Kitchen — a pay-what-you-can restaurant on Troost Avenue — not only flips the menu on the “soup kitchen” concept, but serves as an anchor of compassionate, community-focused care in the face of neighborhood gentrification, said Father Justin Mathews.

LeAna Flores knows those three little letters — DEI — can trigger a lot of people these days, she said.

“For me, as a DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) practitioner, I live and breathe by this quote — especially in the climate that we have right now — ‘They tried to bury us, but they didn’t know we were seeds,’” continued Flores, the director of diversity, inclusion, and belonging for H&R Block, which boasts headquarters in downtown Kansas City.

The Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce awarded H&R Block its 2024 Champion of Diversity award Friday at the annual POWER of Diversity Breakfast. The event drew more than 900 people to the Marriott Downtown Hotel, bringing together the region’s diverse business community to celebrate leaders in diversity, equity and inclusion.

KC Chamber, businesses: We won’t back down from DEI initiatives; city’s top diversity advocates honored LeAna Flores knows those three little letters — DEI — can trigger a lot of people these days, she said. "[But] I live and breathe by this quote — especially in the climate that we have right now — ‘They tried to bury us, but they didn't know we were seeds.’”

Joseph Macklin forged a successful music career through trial and error, he said, but that doesn’t mean the next generation should be forced to endure those same challenges just to feel like they earned credibility.

The multi-platinum, Grammy award-nominated music producer, songwriter, engineer, and vocal arranger — known as Jo Blaq — is on a mission to make it easier for Kansas City creatives to hit the right note as they break into a highly competitive and daunting industry, he said.

West Coast artists shouldn’t be the only ones with an advantage, Macklin explained.

He earned industry cred alongside Ariana Grande; now Jo Blaq wants to share the music with emerging KC artists Joseph Macklin forged a successful music career through trial and error, he said, but that doesn’t mean the next generation should be forced to endure those same challenges just to feel like they earned credibility.

Aligning the stars as a forward-looking founder and business owner isn’t easy, Maria Flynn noted, so she wrote her own guidebook.

“Entrepreneurs are my tribe of people,” said Flynn, a serial founder and regional digital health leader. “And I was telling the same stories over and over again, so I started to write them down. I realized there’s a book in here somewhere although I didn’t exactly know what it looked like. It was a bit of a puzzle putting these pieces together.”

She released “Make Opportunity Happen” earlier this year.

This startup leader is revealing entrepreneur answers (and they’re listed in the table of contents) Aligning the stars as a forward-looking founder and business owner isn’t easy, Maria Flynn noted, so she wrote her own guidebook. “Entrepreneurs are my tribe of people,” said Flynn, a serial founder and regional digital health leader.

Two recently opened Kansas City attractions were announced today among 100 extraordinary destinations to visit; named to TIME’s list of the World’s Greatest Places.

TIME’s annual feature includes CPKC Stadium, home to the KC Current and the first stadium in the world purpose-built for a women’s professional team, and The Rabbit hOle, a North Kansas City children’s literary museum that debuted this spring after years of anticipation.

CPKC Stadium, Rabbit hOle named to TIME magazine’s list of ‘World’s Greatest Places’ Two recently opened Kansas City attractions were announced today among 100 extraordinary destinations to visit; named to TIME’s list of the World’s Greatest Places.

A limited-release craft lager at Jim’s Alley Bar and Alma Mader Brewing pays homage to classic American brewing traditions and a shared family name, said Nick Mader and Eric Flanagan.

The duo joined forces this summer to release “Hank” — in honor of several family relatives with the middle name “Henry,” as well as Flanagan’s son, Henry, who also serves as the namesake of the soon-to-open Hank’s Garage and Grill in Shawnee.

Flanagan previously launched King G and Jim’s Alley Bar in Kansas City’s East Crossraods.

I’m with Hank: Meet the tribute-turned-brew child of these beer-drinking serial entrepreneurs A limited-release craft lager at Jim’s Alley Bar and Alma Mader Brewing pays homage to classic American brewing traditions and a shared family name, said Nick Mader and Eric Flanagan.

While the third iteration of BioKansas’ Innovation Festival might initially seem scaled back, said Dr. Kevin Mills, the summer biosciences conference is amping up its emphasis on what makes Kansas City a great biotech hub.

“The idea is really to get people with really diverse viewpoints and diverse jobs and careers together to hear from one another about what’s new and what sort of emerging challenges are out there,” said Mills, the new president and CEO of BioKansas, which organizes the annual Innovation Festival. “In large part, our goal is to get people together to interact and see what kind of magic happens.”

Innovation Festival returns Aug. 16 with focus on human connections in a surging biotech hub While the third iteration of BioKansas’ Innovation Festival might initially seem scaled back, said Dr. Kevin Mills, the summer biosciences conference is amping up its emphasis on what makes Kansas City a great biotech hub.