Kansas City officials are investing $1.6 million to help small businesses fill vacant storefronts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.The city’s new grant program aims to revitalize commercial corridors along the downtown streetcar line and surrounding districts by covering rent and start-up costs for local entrepreneurs.“We hope that this program really does make us a champion and make us a city of entrepreneurs for Kansas City,” said Nia Webster, assistant director of neighborhoods for Kansas City.The program offers to pay up to 80% of rent for six months and provides up to $10,000 in funding for new or expanding businesses, including retail, creators, and e-commerce ventures with proven concepts seeking high-traffic locations.Councilmember Wes Rogers said the initiative is designed for lasting impact, not just short-term gains during the World Cup.“The biggest piece to me is making sure some of these businesses are not only successful during the World Cup, but stay successful,” Rogers said.Kansas City expects an estimated 650,000 visitors during the international event, with more than half arriving from outside the United States. The games are expected to keep tourists in the city for more than a month, creating major opportunities for local entrepreneurs.“Sign up. Pitch a great concept. Partner up with people. We encourage you to find a location that you might be interested in,” Webster said.The city is seeking both business owners and landlords willing to participate. More than 400 companies have already expressed interest, with about 10% expected to be selected.“It’s about highlighting the best of Kansas City,” Rogers said. “To me, the best of Kansas City is small business. So if we can bring some small business to life in the heavily trafficked parts of our city, that’s a win.”
Kansas City officials are investing $1.6 million to help small businesses fill vacant storefronts ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The city’s new grant program aims to revitalize commercial corridors along the downtown streetcar line and surrounding districts by covering rent and start-up costs for local entrepreneurs.
“We hope that this program really does make us a champion and make us a city of entrepreneurs for Kansas City,” said Nia Webster, assistant director of neighborhoods for Kansas City.
The program offers to pay up to 80% of rent for six months and provides up to $10,000 in funding for new or expanding businesses, including retail, creators, and e-commerce ventures with proven concepts seeking high-traffic locations.
Councilmember Wes Rogers said the initiative is designed for lasting impact, not just short-term gains during the World Cup.
“The biggest piece to me is making sure some of these businesses are not only successful during the World Cup, but stay successful,” Rogers said.
Kansas City expects an estimated 650,000 visitors during the international event, with more than half arriving from outside the United States. The games are expected to keep tourists in the city for more than a month, creating major opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
“Sign up. Pitch a great concept. Partner up with people. We encourage you to find a location that you might be interested in,” Webster said.
The city is seeking both business owners and landlords willing to participate. More than 400 companies have already expressed interest, with about 10% expected to be selected.
“It’s about highlighting the best of Kansas City,” Rogers said. “To me, the best of Kansas City is small business. So if we can bring some small business to life in the heavily trafficked parts of our city, that’s a win.”
