UMKC Innovation Center partners with the university and the community to spark and sustain entrepreneurial efforts within our region and across the country.

KCSourceLink connects KC entrepreneurs to the right resource at the right time.

MOSourceLink connects Missouri entrepreneurs to the right resource at the right time.

Whiteboard2Boardroom connects entrepreneurs and businesses to technologies available for licensing.

Digital Sandbox KC provides early-stage proof-of-concept support for digital products.

Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center provides technical assistance to startup and existing businesses.

ScaleUP! Kansas City helps businesses with revenues around $200K scale toward their first $1 million.

Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers helps local businesses obtain government contracts.

KCInvestED helps investors learn more about investing in KC startups.

SourceLink® helps communities nationwide build vibrant and vital entrepreneurial ecosystems.
UMKC Innovation Center
UMKC Innovation Center
Creations by M and J

Creations by M and J Sew Love into Every Stitch

Creations by M and J

Creations by M and J
Marie Main and Jennifer Conner | Belton, MO | Microenterprise

May is the month of mothers—and what better way to celebrate than with our third Flavor of KC: Creations by M and J, a mom and daughter handmade business founded by Marie Main and her daughter Jennifer Conner. Marie and Jennifer sew keepsakes, toys and accessories for children and adults.

While the business proper started in 2012, their passion for sewing has been a family legacy. Marie has been sewing and quilting for more years than she can remember. She passed her love of sewing on to Jennifer, who first started sewing the linens for her baby’s nursery and then branched into clothing for her daughter. It’s that love—for children and grandchildren—that gets stitched into every article they sew.

What do you love about doing business in KC? 

Our customers love unique handmade items and are willing to support a businesses they love.  The handmade community in Kansas City is also very welcoming and willing to help support each other’s businesses. 

What does shopping local mean to you? 

It means I may go out of my way to support a local businesses, but it also means getting to know the owner/creator—and being able to trust that the product is the best that person can make and is made with care and passion. 

Why is it important? 

Shopping local keeps the money local and allows another business to grow.

What flavor do you add to KC?

High-quality handcrafted items.  

Connect with Creations by M and J

Like they said, the great thing about shopping local is the direct connection you can make with makers, their stories and their products. You’re not just giving a “gift”—you’re giving a story.

How can we help you?

Our team helps grow entrepreneurship in Kansas City every day.

Connect with us!

Get insights, inspiration and events to help you start, grow and accelerate KC businesses.

Subscribe