Kansas City small businesses

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.

Relentless rainfall has flooded Kansas City neighborhoods east of I-435 near the 23rd Street exit, as meteorologists note a historically high amount of storms and warnings this year. Several businesses have had to close indefinitely, as they wait for the city to respond and drain the water.

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.

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.

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.

Mocha Point Coffee in Overland Park has its soft opening this week, with a formal opening soon to follow. The coffee house will stay open until 10 p.m. on weekdays and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Small business owners make up many of the millions of people who are facing higher premiums for health care, after Congress allowed COVID-era enhanced subsidies for the Affordable Care Act to lapse. Because of the higher prices, two Kansas City-area business owners say they’ve had to adjust their business strategies.

The Littlest Library, which opened on Independence Square last week, offers romance and fantasy genres and books in Spanish. It also features a hidden event space.

Kansas City brought multiple departments together for a one-day event to help entrepreneurs get ready for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games next summer. The training could become an annual tradition as city officials strive to make it less complicated to own a business.

Kansas City small businesses need your support, so this year, head to your talented neighbors and spend your dollars where they matter the most. Here's where you can find handcrafted goods, local art and unique gifts for your loved ones.

HerCafe, a matcha business founded by a University of Missouri-Kansas City student and her friend, has found success with its weekend popups around the metro area. Customers line up at mosques, wellness events and outside clothing stores for a taste of their specialty drinks.

André’s Confiserie Suisse, a family-run chocolatier for 70 years, helped redefine accessible luxury in the Midwest. While the Overland Park location is set to close at the end of the year, the brand has no plans to slow production.