FiredUp KC

What does it take to go from hustling to scaling a thriving business? In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we travel to Virginia Beach to sit down with Steven Anthony, CEO of Anthony Global Holdings, and explore the transformative impact of the UPLIFT Program. The UPLIFT Program is a Virginia Beach entrepreneurship accelerator that provides its cohort members with essential tools for growth: financial resources, business structure, and contracts. More importantly, it fosters a community where entrepreneurs collaborate, share insights, and help each other succeed. We also hear from two incredible business owners in the UPLIFT cohort who share their journeys and reveal how the program has helped them scale their businesses, overcome challenges, and build impactful connections. In this episode, you'll learn: • The power of community in growing a business. • Insights from Steven Anthony on what makes founders succeed. • How the UPLIFT Program supports entrepreneurs in scaling sustainably. • Real-life stories from Virginia Beach entrepreneurs making an impact. This episode dives deep into the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Virginia Beach and why collaboration and mentorship are key to thriving in today's business world. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of grit, growth, and success from entrepreneurs reshaping their communities!

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we dive into the inspiring journey of Brain Freeze, a mobile frozen daiquiri business that once made $5,000 in a single day. Learn how James Thomas built this thriving venture from the ground up, and discover actionable tips on how you can replicate this success in your own mobile business. Whether you're dreaming of starting a food truck or a mobile drink service, this episode is packed with insights and strategies to help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.

In this inspiring episode of City Entrepreneur, we meet Grace Ahn, founder of NvisionKC, who shares her remarkable journey from arriving in the United States with only $200 and limited English skills to building a million-dollar business. Grace's story is one of resilience, self-teaching, and strategic risk-taking, showing how determination and creativity can overcome the toughest challenges. In this episode, you'll learn about: • Self-Teaching English: How Grace taught herself English to navigate life and business in a new country. • Using Credit to Fund a Dream: The strategic decisions Grace made with credit to get her business off the ground. • Building NvisionKC: From small beginnings to million-dollar revenue—Grace's step-by-step journey. • Overcoming Immigrant Challenges: Insight into the unique obstacles and opportunities she faced as a South Korean immigrant. Grace's journey is a powerful example for anyone looking to build something meaningful, no matter the odds. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a fellow immigrant, or someone in need of inspiration, Grace's story has something valuable for you. Don't forget to subscribe for more stories of grit, growth, and success from entrepreneurs making a difference!

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, Isaac Collins, founder of Yogurtini and Streamline Profits Academy, shares his journey from starting a small business to building a franchise, while navigating the unique challenges of being a Black entrepreneur. Isaac opens up about the mental toll of entrepreneurship, the importance of resilience, and why supporting employees and community is key to success. Tune in for powerful insights on overcoming racial biases, fostering mental well-being, and scaling a business with purpose.

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, Melesa Johnson, Kansas City's Director of Public Safety and current candidate for Jackson County Prosecutor, addresses Missouri's rising crime rates and her mission to tackle insecurity. Is youth violence fueled by weak gun laws, social media, or parenting? Melesa shares her insights and discusses how she plans to use justice reform and community initiatives to address crime at its roots. We also explore how crime impacts local businesses, why entrepreneurship could be part of the solution, and how policies like “Ban the Box

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, Dr. Brandy Archie, founder of AskSamie, shares expert advice on how to pitch your startup and build a scalable, sellable business. Learn the key principles to delivering a successful pitch, overcoming imposter syndrome, and how to create a company with the end in mind. Dr. Archie also discusses balancing entrepreneurship while being a mom. Don't miss these essential insights for entrepreneurs!

In this episode of City Entrepreneur (S2E15), host Zik Nwanganga sits down with Chris Simpson, an attorney from Polsinelli, to provide essential legal advice for founders and entrepreneurs. The episode dives into crucial topics like choosing the right legal structure (LLC, S-Corp, or C-Corp), protecting intellectual property, and drafting co-founder and contractor agreements to prevent conflicts. If you're a founder preparing for VC funding or looking to strengthen your business's legal foundation, this episode offers practical insights on how to avoid costly mistakes and set your startup up for success.Watch this episode to learn how to protect your business and avoid common legal pitfalls!

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we sit down with the inspiring founder of Eye of an Immigrant, a nonprofit that helps immigrants navigate the challenges of building a new life in the U.S. We discuss the hardships immigrants face in finding success and the incredible resilience that drives them forward. From legal hurdles to cultural adaptation, we explore how Eye of an Immigrant is making a difference for newcomers. Our offsite shoot takes us to a family-owned Indian restaurant, where we hear the powerful immigrant story of the owners and their journey to becoming successful business owners in the U.S. Through hard work and determination, they transformed their dreams into reality—highlighting the theme that America was built by immigrants.

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we sit down with Dan Smith, co-founder of The Porter House KC, to uncover the hard truths about what it really takes to succeed as an entrepreneur. Dan dives deep into the mindset shifts and sacrifices that set the most successful entrepreneurs apart from those who don't make it.

In this episode of City Entrepreneur (S2E12), we sit down with serial entrepreneur Eze Redwood to explore the critical decision every business owner faces: Should you scale your business or sell it? Eze shares three expert tips to help entrepreneurs make the right choice, based on his own successful ventures. Whether you're growing your business or considering an exit, this episode offers valuable insights for your journey. Don't miss it! #entrepreneur #businesscoach #businesspodcaster

In this compelling episode of City Entrepreneur, host Zik Nwanganga interviews Donald Maxwell, the “Godfather of Development” in Kansas City. Mr. Maxwell has transformed the landscape of the Black community by investing over $100 million in real estate projects. He owns multiple buildings, including two shopping centers that generate millions annually, showcasing his remarkable success and commitment to community growth. Discover how Mr. Maxwell started his journey by purchasing a building for just $1 and turning it into a lucrative investment. He shares the strategies and insights that helped him build a multi-million dollar empire, and offers practical advice for young entrepreneurs looking to break into the real estate industry. Whether you're interested in real estate, community development, or entrepreneurship, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and inspiration. Join us for an in-depth conversation with a true visionary who has dedicated his life to uplifting his community and paving the way for the next generation of developers and entrepreneurs. Don't miss Episode 10 of Season 2—subscribe and hit the notification bell to stay updated on all future episodes! #cityentrepreneur #DonaldMaxwell #realestate #kansascity #communitydevelopment #entrepreneurship #inspiration #successstory

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we sit down with Learie Hercules, the founder of Heft IQ, to explore how AI is revolutionizing supply chain and logistics. Heft IQ's advanced analytics platform is designed to be the Operating System for Supply Chain & Logistics, enabling real-time decision-making that's essential for modern e-commerce.Key Topics Covered:AI in Supply Chain: How Heft IQ uses AI to optimize performance, diagnose bottlenecks, and recommend real-time solutions.Real-Time Decision-Making: The critical role of instant analytics in improving logistics efficiency.Future of Shipping: Insights into how AI will shape the future of global supply chains.About Learie Hercules:Learie Hercules, a seasoned C-suite executive in Silicon Valley, discusses how he's bridging the gap for supply chain companies to compete with Amazon and empowering consumers to market their brands more effectively using AI.Why Watch This Episode:If you're interested in how technology is transforming supply chains and logistics, this episode is a must-watch. Heft IQ's AI-driven platform is set to change the game for e-commerce and beyond.

In this exciting episode, we sit down with an ex-Kansas City Chiefs NFL player who has successfully transitioned into the world of business. Discover how Cyphr, a cutting-edge fintech company, revolutionized his journey by making business loans fast and easy. Join us as we delve into: The unique challenges faced by former athletes entering the business world. How Cyphr's innovative platform simplifies the loan application process. The impact of quick and accessible funding on small business growth. Real-life insights and advice from a former NFL star turned entrepreneur. Whether you're a sports fan, an aspiring entrepreneur, or looking for ways to streamline your business financing, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. Don't miss out on this inspiring story of resilience, innovation, and success! Tune in now and learn how Cyphr is making a significant difference in the world of business loans, one successful entrepreneur at a time.

This upcoming episode is featuring Blake Herren. A Co-Founder/CEO of Raven Space Systems, a pioneering Kansas City company that has raised over $1.5 million for their revolutionary work in 3D printing space return capsules. Blake and his team are transforming space missions with innovative designs that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of space technology.Tune in on today at 1:00 PM CST for an inspiring episode! We're thrilled to welcome Blake Herren and Ryan Cowdrey the Co-Founders of Raven Space Systems. Discover how they are leading the charge in space innovation and get insights into their journey of securing successful funding rounds. Don't miss it!

Meet Nick Love, MD, MBA, the CEO/Co-Founder of Love Lifesciences LLC, who has raised over $1 million for their revolutionary Unipen injection technology. Nick and Bradley Hopper, CTO/Co-Founder, are transforming the patient injection experience, aiming to boost medication adherence while reducing development costs and regulatory hurdles. Thank you, Polsinelli and KCSourceLink for being our sponsors. Click the link in our bio and subscribe for more groundbreaking stories!

Welcome to the reality side of City Entrepreneur!

In this episode of City Entrepreneur, we explore how Triumfia Houmbie and Sedric Hibler, co-founders of CodeAlgo, are transforming the educational landscape. Discover their innovative approach to turning today's "iPad kids" into tomorrow's high-earning coders. Learn about their journey, the challenges they faced, and their mission to make coding accessible to underrepresented communities. She also shares her journey of coming to the United States at just 16 years old to study Finance. Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Follow us on IG, TikTok, LinkedIn, and Facebook  @firedupstudios  and @cityentrepreneur

In this episode, I sit down with Joshua I Lewis, the visionary behind Updown Nightlife App & Kin Seltzer. Discover how Joshua transitioned from creating a nightlife app to launching a successful seltzer brand. He shares his insights on leveraging networks, raising over $3 million, and getting Kin Seltzer into 70+ locations in the KC Metro. Tune in to hear about his innovative strategies and entrepreneurial spirit!

Welcome to the premiere episode of City Entrepreneur! In this series, we champion underserved minority and female founders, innovators, and investors, celebrating their successes and learning from their challenges. In Episode 1, meet your host, Zik Nwanganga, a Nigerian immigrant who arrived in the US as an international student and built a thriving video production business. Zik's passion for storytelling helps entrepreneurs share their journeys and inspire others. Join us as we explore Zik's remarkable path from immigrant to innovator. Subscribe and be inspired by real stories of perseverance and triumph!

In our season finale, I dive deep with Victor to dissect the policies he's championing across states, aiming to level the playing field for entrepreneurs.

Join us on this transformational journey to unlock your inner potential and find true self-connection.

Visit www.theaihubkc.org for more information Visit our website @ firedupstudiosfilm.com

Visit bluesymphony.com for more information Visit our website @ firedupstudiosfilm.com

Download Healthy Hiphop on the App Store and Google Playstore Visit our website @ firedupstudiosfilm.com

Follow King Dwight on social media @kingdeewight Visit our website @ firedupstudiosfilm.com

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For more info visit https://www.kansascitygift.org/ and firedupstudiosfilm.com

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On this episode City Entrepreneur, we meet Kevin McGinnis, President/CEO of Keystone Innovation District; the first ecosystem for Kansas City Entrepreneurs. Kevin shares the entrepreneurship journey that led him to create a hub for all entrepreneurs in KC to collaborate. Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneurFor more info on Keystone Innovation District, visit keystonedistrict.org

Dr. Shelly Cooper is the founder ComeOnNow! A revenue-generating app that replaces no-show medical appointments with telehealth visits. On the show, she shares what inspired her to start the company. She also talks about her journey as an entrepreneur in the Midwest. Further in our conversation, she drops some entrepreneurship gems for other entrepreneurs who are also the grind. Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur For more info on ComeOnNow! visit https://www.comeonnow.io/patient.html

On this episode City Entrepreneur, we meet Kortney Lee, founder of Community Groceries; the first Just-Walk-Out Grocery store in Kansas City. Kortney shares how he built the entire store from scratch. He talks about the challenges he faced bootstrapping the whole project. Kortney is on a mission to ensure that every community has easy access to healthy and affordable groceries. Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur For more info on Community Groceries, visit communitygroceries.com

On this episode of City Entrepreneur, we'll meet Chef. Shanita MacAfee-Byrant, founder of The Prospect KC; a social enterprise supporting communities suffering from food apartheid with improved food access, nutrition education, culinary job training, and entrepreneurship. Chef. Shanita shares her experience with the lack of healthy food in the inner city and how inadequate public transportation fuels the problem. She goes on to share her reality as an entrepreneur. Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur For more info on The Prospect KC, visit www.theprospectkc.org

On this episode of City Entrepreneur, we'll meet Jerren Thornhill, founder of One Pair; a shoe and clothing store owned and operated by the kids of Kansas City. Jerren shares his story of growing up in the inner-city and finding entrepreneurial ways of generating income to feed himself. Looking back, he realized he had no one to mentor him on becoming a better entrepreneur. He saw a gap in his community so he created One Pair as an entrepreneurship hub for black kids to learn to be entrepreneurs and have nice shoes while doing it. For more info, visit onepairkc.com or their physical location at 551 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110. All social media @onpairkc Follow us on all social media  @firedupstudios  or @cityentrepreneur

On this episode of City Entrepreneur, we'll meet Na'im Al-Amin. Na'im grew up in foster care where he suffered abuse. He has been imprisoned twice. He says one of his first experiences with the prison system was when he was racially profiled and arrested at the age of 8 years old. Regardless of his past, Al-Amin says he was inspired by Nipsy Hustle to write a business plan and start his own company, SWAGG INC, a non-profit that helps returning citizens navigate life after prison. Follow us on all social media @firedupstudios & @cityentrepreneur For more info on SWAGG INC, visit swagginc.org

Is Kansas City ready for all the major developments coming it's way? Jermaine Reed - Ep 107 On this episode of FiredUp KC, I sat with Jermaine Reed, MCC Trustee & Managing Partner at KGR Consultants, to chat about how Kansas City is getting ready for developments like the airport renovations, NFL draft in 2023, Fifa 2026 and lots more.

Creating a marketplace for founders in Kansas City.

Understanding your value

Reach out to https://www.drivingpursuitskc.org/ for more info You can contact Nick Giuliani on LinkedIn

Full Episode on Spotify, Apple podcast and other podcast platforms @firedupkc

Blakk CO is the first social club for men of color in Kansas City.

Full episode on Spotify and Apple podcast @firedupkc Check out https://goat-moves.com/ https://ftwinvestmentsllc.com/

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A fresh perspective on Equality

Connect with Femmis on IG or FB @femmisofficial

For more info visit dancefitflow.com or message them on Instagram @dancefitflow.

Watch Emmy Award-winning broadcaster, Joel Goldberg, give life lessons that would change your perspective about pursuing your vision.

Listen to hear Joanie's vision on how she plans to revolutionalize pet care with the InterPlay app.

On this episode of FiredUp KC, I sat with Nia Richardson, assistant to Director for small businesses and entrepreneurship at The KC BizCare Office, to chat about her journey to entrepreneurship and how she helps KC small business owners in the early stages of their business.