business

The pandemic changed how many Americans think about work. Now, a new 30-year entrepreneurship study from the Kansas City-based Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation suggests those shifts may still be reshaping the economy.

The April 2026 Missouri Jobs Report has seasonally adjusted unemployment at 3.8%, down slightly from March and the same time last year. But national economic strain may shrink the entertainment and leisure industries, threatening summer jobs for teenagers.

Missouri voters will decide later this year whether to eliminate the state's income tax. Small business owners would be among those to feel the effects most acutely if the measure were to pass.

The Kansas City Council temporarily extended liquor sale hours for June 11 through July 19, allowing some bars to stay open up to 23 hours a day during the FIFA World Cup.

What began as an unexpected opportunity from family in 2018 has grown into a team of roughly 30 employees. Mr D's Donut Shop now has plans to open new locations in Overland Park and Kansas City, Missouri.

A special program is bringing empty Kansas City storefronts back to life by placing entrepreneurs in prime downtown spaces to show off for an influx of international visitors. City leaders hope the program leads to long-term opportunities for small businesses and building owners.

Mass Street Plant Company is set for a soft opening May 2 in the Lawrence space that formerly belonged to plant shop Jungle House. The original Kansas City location opened in 2022.

Creators of the iconic Kansas City brand will sell T-shirts, hoodies and other locally-branded accessories. A soft launch of the pop-up store at the Overland Park, Kansas, mall will take place in May.

Businesses and brand sponsors can apply now to take part in the activation, a short walk from where the FIFA Fan Festival is planned. “The marketplace will transform Union Station into a high-energy retail and cultural destination," organizers said.

Businesses and residents around the area of College Boulevard and Ridgeview Road are mostly excited about the promised $300 million Kansas City Chiefs headquarters and training facility.

Slow Rise owners Jessica and Jeff Dunkel developed a cult following at the Lawrence and Overland Park farmers markets. Eventually Jessica quit her day job, but when they finally opened a local brick-and-mortar, they could only afford to start with one day a week.

Tips were once reserved for hospitality services like bars and restaurants, but now more businesses are adding tip options — and the suggested amount has increased. University of Kansas associate professor Rob Waiser discusses the change tip culture and what businesses should consider before making the ask.