Connectus Worldwide is a new consulting firm that aides minority-, women-, disadvantaged-, veteran- and LGBTQ-owned companies seeking corporate and governmental certification. Founded by Mary Shannon, who retired from a Fortune 500 company earlier this year, Connectus Worldwide provides a variety of services to diverse businesses, while also connecting such enterprises with majority organizations. The firm consults in areas of supplier diversity, public engagement and mediation. Instead of slowing down after…

A managed IT company is expanding into a new vertical. K12itc, which serves schools, has launched Civic ITC to provide IT infrastructure management, connectivity and maintenance for municipal and county governments, chambers of commerce and other civic organizations. Founder Brad Sandt said in a news release that civic entities struggle to keep pace in the rapidly changing IT sector. “Our technology and our managed services will disrupt the status quo…

The Kansas Department of Commerce Office of Minority and Women Business Development has announced its 34th Annual Minority and Women Business Awards as part of 2018 Kansas Minority Enterprise Development Week. Eleven businesses and two individuals honored are based in the Kansas City area, highlighting the metro’s cultivation of diverse entrepreneurs. The awards, given each fall, highlight minority- and women-owned businesses that “exhibit outstanding achievements in their respective industries.” Awards…