Second Stage

Mindy Rocha of CJ Industries LLC

From Toiling in the Basement to Helping Build the KC Airport: See How This Construction Entrepreneur Did It

Mindy Rocha’s dad and grandfather were pipefitters by trade. When she was in her early teens, her dad started his own business in their basement. Like many ventures, it was a family affair. “I did my first quote letter at 13,” Mindy says. “My love for my dad became a love...

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A panel at GEWKC 2022

GEWKC 2023 Insiders’ Guide: How to Make the Most of Global Entrepreneurship Week – KC

Ready to connect, learn and grow? Global Entrepreneurship Week – Kansas City is the place to be! Nov. 13-19, business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and peeps who support KC small business will gather for classes, workshops, panels and networking events galore. It’s all things entrepreneurship, and it’s all FREE. GEWKC is open...

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GEWKC attendees mingle after a session.

10 Reasons You’ve Gotta Attend Global Entrepreneurship Week – Kansas City

It’s the same old question: What’s in it for me? With Global Entrepreneurship Week – Kansas City, the answer is: PLENTY! If you’re wondering why you should go to GEWKC Nov. 13-19 (in-person base camp is Nov. 15-17), we compiled a list of some pretty great reasons, and we bet by...

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Global Entrepreneurship Week - Kansas City 2023

GEWKC: Build Your Agenda from 100+ Sessions for Nov. 13-19

Global Entrepreneurship Week - Kansas City, the metro’s largest annual, multiday educational event for aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned business owners, kicks off Nov. 13-19, and attendees can now sign up to attend no-cost virtual and in-person sessions throughout the week that will supercharge their business or business idea. To attend for...

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These Reputable Brokers Can Help You Sell Your Kansas City Area Business

You won’t live forever, and you can’t own a business forever, either. Sooner or later, every business owner has to transfer ownership, sell, liquidate or merge with another venture. Many business owners actively avoid thinking about succession planning. But knowing your options can help you make the right decision instead of...

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A businessman and businesswoman high five

Starting or Growing a Business? Make Sure You Use This Key KC Resource

In Kansas City, we’re fortunate to have a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. There are hundreds of programs that serve small business owners at different points of their entrepreneurial journeys. But the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) does it all. These centers provide specialized mentoring, classes and resources to entrepreneurs at all...

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ScaleUP! Kansas City Cohort 13

ScaleUP! Kansas City Reveals 13th Cohort of Scaling Business Owners

The ScaleUP! Kansas City program announced its 13th cohort of 20 local companies who will get the coaching, perspective and connections to scale, create new jobs, open new locations, develop resiliency for the future and strengthen the regional economy. The program, now in its eighth year, is the longest running...

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Fahteema Parrish of Parrish and Sons Construction

How Parrish & Sons Became the First Black Woman-Owned Firm to Win the Mr. K Award

Fahteema Parrish had a unique path into the construction industry and entrepreneurship. Born and raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Fahteema obtained an up close and personal view of what hard work really looked like. Her mother and father were entrepreneurs and owned their own HVAC business. Growing up, she remembers going on...

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A collage of 5 Kansas City social media experts

How Any Business Can Grow with Influencer Marketing: 5 KC Social Media Experts Share Top Tips

Want to expand the reach of your business? Working with a social media influencer to create sponsored content can be a powerful way to attract new customers, advance your brand’s exposure and gain credibility. Research shows 50% of millennials trust recommendations from influencers and have bought a product based on...

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Kansas City Black Entrepreneur Success Stories

11 of the Best KC Black Entrepreneur Stories to Inspire You during Black Business Month and Beyond

August is National Black Business Month. It’s a time to celebrate these companies that help drive our economy and enrich our communities. According to the U.S. Census, there were more than 140,000 Black- or African American-owned businesses in the U.S. in 2020. Those ventures employed 1.3 million people and boasted annual...

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