Eastern Jackson County: Suburbs pick up urbanization trend

A trend rippling across the nation has reached Kansas City, and now it’s spreading out to its suburbs in Eastern Jackson County: the resurgence of downtown.
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More Than Second Chances: KC Companies Affect Change for Current and Former Inmates

The U.S. criminal system held nearly 2.3 million individuals in prisons, correctional facilities, detention centers and local jails in March 2018, according to the prison policy initiative, a nonprofit, non-partisan research organization.

As of 2016, Kansas held 18,000 people in prison, while Missouri held 50,000; and of that combined 68,000, 61 percent were in state prisons.

The statics are astounding, but so are the efforts to increase workforce programs to assist returning citizens (individuals formerly incarcerated) and ultimately curb recidivism. (more…)

KC Rising Aims Higher

KC Rising, a collaborative strategy to beef up the regional economy, is rolling out new initiatives that bode well for entrepreneurs. (more…)

Big Projects Build Up Small Business

Development is booming in Kansas City. Big projects currently under way include construction of a new downtown convention center hotel, redevelopment of Kemper Arena in the West Bottoms and construction of a single-terminal facility at Kansas City International Airport. (more…)

Small Businesses Give North Kansas City Unique Flair: ‘Northtown is Definitely Becoming a Destination’

North Kansas City, Mo., covers less than five square miles on the metro map, but roughly 900 businesses operate within its modest boundaries. More than 25,000 workers—more than five times the number of residents—come here daily, and a growing number of consumers are flocking to the city’s breweries, restaurants, shops and unique entertainment options. (more…)

Hot, Hot Housing Market

It’s been a cold winter in Kansas City, but the residential real estate market is hot. (more…)

Keeping Small Business in the Mix of Development

Toward the end of last year, Next to Nature Farm found itself at a critical point in the business. (more…)

Construction at a Crossroads

Contractors nationwide are experiencing a shortage of skilled labor in construction, according to a recent survey. Those same  contractors expect strong demand for construction services in the next 12 to 24 months—setting the industry up for a potential bottleneck. (more…)

What the Numbers Say About Veteran Entrepreneurs

Even after they leave active service, our nation’s military veterans continue to make a difference for their country—and many of them do so as entrepreneurs. (more…)

Building Kansas City: In the Money

A diverse economy is boosting KC’s financial services industry. (more…)