Laura Norris has worked for Kansas City nonprofits for years but always dreamed of running her own Italian deli. In 2013, she raised money from friends and family to finally open her business, but she kept getting turned down by banks for the last piece of financing to make it work.

Then she learned about Kansas City's micro-loan program to help small businesses, and she got the $35,000 she needed for refrigerators and other equipment. Her deli and wine bar, Cucina della Ragazza, recently opened to good reviews in Westport, at 301 Westport Road.

Read more

Source: http://www.kansascity.com