business

Just over three months before the World Cup descends on Kansas City this June, small businesses are preparing to make the most of 650,000 expected visitors. That means updating menus and websites to accommodate international travelers, and getting staff trained for the expected crowds.

KC Water began the Westport Stormwater Improvement Project in January of this year to combat flash floods that have regularly put sidewalks and parking lots in Westport under water. They know the flood mitigation is needed but it makes daily life difficult for people who work, shop and eat in the area.

Employees at the Costco store on Linwood Boulevard in Kansas City have spoken openly about the wholesale store’s future plans to change into a Costco Business Center, though the company itself has neither confirmed nor denied this information. KCUR’s Up To Date spoke with several shoppers to get their reactions.

Missouri state Sen. Joe Nicola, a Republican from Grain Valley, says he's seen a decrease of teen employment in his district. He wants to create a separate minimum wage of $12.30 for people under 18.

Although Kansas City's six World Cup matches will be hosted at Arrowhead Stadium, local leaders believe Columbia, Missouri, will also benefit as visitors travel before and after games — as long as businesses are prepared.

After a high school teacher told Maci Shaw she would be the best entrepreneur, the 19-year-old listened. Now, she sells her thrifted finds on Depop, Poshmark, Instagram and at popup events around Kansas City.

For more than three decades, customers have come to love the Mexican family recipes served up at La Fonda El Taquito. With the restaurant closing for good at the end of January, the Medina sisters who own the spot have been busier than ever.

Good Karma Coffee was designed to be a welcoming space centered on the community, not just another cafe, says owner Brian Roberts. The Tower East coffee and wine space celebrates one year in business in February.

The campaign is designed to welcome both domestic and international visitors hoping to travel to Kansas City to root for their teams from the stands. Columbia hopes its businesses will "adopt a team" and host watch parties during the summer event.

Officials driving a push back to the office cite enhanced customer service and improved collaboration as justification for the changes.

Missouri's minimum wage will increase by $1.25 an hour for the second year in a row. But because of a new law signed by Gov. Mike Kehoe, the minimum wage won't automatically increase for inflation after that.

Made In KC recently closed its midtown shop, but the owners had been eyeing Union Station as a potential location for years. “It makes sense with how iconic Union Station has become that we should be here, representing local goods in Kansas City," co-owner Keith Bradley said.