Kansas City small businesses

Not every business saw a boost from visiting fans, but some leveraged a prime location, ingenuity in planning, or a personal connection to get a boost from the FIFA World Cup's stint in Kansas City.

Kansas City hosted six matches during the monthlong tournament, which cost nearly $200 million in public funds for this region’s part alone. Did local businesses actually benefit in the end? Or will the event’s impact only be felt years down the road?

A temporary city policy allowed 16 bars to stay open and sell alcohol until 5 a.m. during the World Cup. Some owners said businesses saw an influx of foreign visitors because of it, and now want the city to make the change permanent.

On top of organizing a Union Station marketplace that drew more than 120,000 visitors, City of Entrepreneurs’ Open Doors! program led to unexpected collaboration opportunities between cohort members.

While some Kansas City businesses have reported sales slowed significantly during the tournament, others — like barbecue restaurants and local merch shops — have seen extreme demand from visitors. World Cup traffic has been highly dependent on what businesses sell and where they’re located.

Kansas City G.I.F.T, a nonprofit focused on growing Black entrepreneurship, will distribute a guide in June that features 30 Black-owned businesses. The hope is that the World Cup, predicted to bring in more prospective shoppers than Kansas City has ever seen at once, jumpstarts long-term growth.

More than 100 businesses, artists, makers, food vendors, and community organizations are taking part in Kansas City's "City of Entrepreneurs" marketplace at Union Station, which runs select days through July 12.

The event on Wed., May 27, 2026, highlighted partnerships and new plans designed to provide support for small businesses not only during the World Cup, but into the future.

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.