In an organization’s journey, there are times to push forward and times to pause, reflect, and refine. For Startland, 2024 was a year of intentional growth — deepening our impact and strengthening our foundation for the future.

As we approach our 10th year as a pillar of Kansas City’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, we took stock of our achievements, assessed the evolving needs of our community, and sharpened our focus. Through our three core pillars — Storytelling, Skill-Building, and Social Capital — we refined and strengthened the programs that make the greatest impact.

Startland News continues to amplify the voices of bold thinkers and problem solvers. In 2024, we grew our subscriber base to more than 140,000, launched a membership program, and introduced new events to foster deeper connections within Kansas City’s entrepreneurial community. Our commitment to impactful storytelling remains unwavering, helping to elevate emerging ventures and drive innovation.

We also recognized a critical gap in education — the need for entrepreneurial experiences in the classroom. In response, we launched the Entrepreneurial Teacher Accelerator, a year-long training and support program designed to help educators bring entrepreneurial mindsets and skills into their teaching. In partnership with the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the University of Kansas, we are working to make entrepreneurship a cornerstone of education in Kansas City.

As demand for entrepreneurial experiences grows, we are scaling our efforts to expand educational opportunities, strengthen our community of changemakers, and drive innovation through creative problem-solving. Expect to see new programs, expanded resources, and even greater collaboration as we work toward a future where everyone has the opportunity to create, connect, and thrive.

To our partners, educators, and supporters — thank you. Your dedication fuels our mission, and together, we are shaping a stronger, more inclusive Kansas City.

Julie Leonhardt,

Chief Executive Officer