Digital Sandbox KC, a proof-of-concept program designed to rapidly move early-stage businesses from the concept stage to commercialization, has selected five new companies for the program. Noting the diversity of companies selected, Jeff Shackelford, Digital Sandbox KC director, said: “We continue to be amazed by the quality and creativity of Kansas City companies. Now, through our partnerships with Olathe, Independence, St. Joseph and Great Plains Energy, we have the opportunity to…

Downtown Lee’s Summit Main Street, a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and preserving downtown Lee’s Summit, honored a number of business owners and community members at its annual meeting and awards dinner on June 27 for their commitment to the revitalization and preservation of Lee’s Summit downtown district. Among those honored were: Very Violet Boutique, Outstanding Window Display Smoke Brewing Company, Top Façade Rehabilitation Haunted and Historic Spaces Tour, Top…

Chris Brown, the founder of Venture Legal LLC, was a winner at the WeWork Creator awards this week. He placed in the Creator Awards’ South Regional final. The WeWork Creator awards are part of a new initiative that grants $20 million to entrepreneurs, small businesses, growing companies, non-profits, artists and other creators around the world. Venture Legal competed live with 34 finalists from across the southern United States. The two-day public…