“City Entrepreneur”: How Zik Nwanganga Turned Curiosity into a Popular Business
KCSourceLink is proud to partner with “City Entrepreneur,” a video series that showcases and uplifts Kansas City’s founders, innovators and investors.
Zik Nwanganga is the powerhouse behind the video series “City Entrepreneur.” He shines a light on some of the amazing people who make Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem so special. But in one episode, he allowed himself to be the focus.
“I’m usually the one asking entrepreneurs about their stories,” Zik says. “I’m going to tell you about why this show is important and how it came to be.”
Humble beginnings create a strong business foundation
Zik was born and raised in Aba, Nigeria. The youngest of six kids, he was struck by the strength of the people in his underserved village.
“Although the people in my community did not have a lot, they were incredibly resilient and resourceful,” he says. “But they couldn’t scale their ideas or go to the bigger level or showcase what they had to offer because there was no support for them.”
Zik dreamed of leaving his village and making a better future for himself. And he was interested in learning how people take an idea and turn it into a successful business. In 2016, he came to the University of Missouri-Kansas City with $10.
Turning passion into triumph
Zik’s first challenge was learning how to ride the bus — and that was just the first of many trials. But he improved his English, finally found the right major and started the radio show “FiredUP KC,” where he interviewed local leaders and entrepreneurs. But after graduation in 2021, Zik had a decision to make.
“I really had a passion for telling stories. I had a passion for Kansas City — I didn’t want to leave KC,” he says. “But I knew I had two choices: Either to stay here and start something or to go elsewhere to find a job. So I took the risk to start my own business.”
Learn how Zik transformed his enthusiasm into not one but two business ventures. And if networking just isn’t for you? Make note of his tips on how even introverts can make true connections.
Watch the whole video here:
