Megan and Eva Pazdera took a risk in starting their own fitness studio. But – thanks to the freedom that comes with entrepreneurship – it’s a risk that paid off. When the COVID-19 crisis hit, that entrepreneurial flexibility would be key in pushing forward.

Ray McCullough didn’t grow up in the best environment and never saw a bright future for himself. But after hitting rock bottom and spending time in prison, he had a wake-up call. He realized if he just committed himself to work hard and change his ways, he could find a way to help the world around him. And entrepreneurship provided that path.

Mark Shaw wasn’t comfortable with the possibility he might be somebody else’s employee for life. So he took a simple idea – running a car wash – and with his persistence and hard work turned it into a thriving business of his own.

Mali Digius and her family fled the Iranian revolution with very few possessions. The only thing Mali grabbed was six diamonds hidden in a toothpaste tube. As they hopped from country to country – eventually leading to the United States – those diamonds kept them alive, and lead them to a life of entrepreneurship and prosperity.

David Friesen’s dream of building an ice cream shop wasn’t just about treats. It was about art, innovation and harnessing the creativity of booming Kansas City.