Local Business

Kansas City has welcomed thousands of visitors as the metro enters its second week of the World Cup. But as international crowds come in, many local shop owners feel they're taking a backseat. Some small businesses say the economic boost is not evenly distributed.

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 Czech-inspired taproom from Alma Mader will showcase hyper-fresh beers and a greenhouse-style space with expanded non-beer offerings. The vision for a dedicated chicken-and-beer concept grew out of pop-ups between the brewery and chef Keeyoung Kim of Sura Eats and Chingu.

The Iowa-based brewery opened last week on the second floor of the old Macy's in Prairie Village. Along with award-winning brews, popular menu items include a tuna poke bow, and giant Taphouse Bruger.

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.

One of Kansas City’s pickup soccer hot-spots is right around the corner from the upcoming FIFA Fan Festival. Players and employees at The Soccer Lot hope fans from around the world might pop in for a competitive but laid-back match.

In early April, the Kansas City Council passed an ordinance removing a 75-year-old rule that required businesses to provide a certain number of parking spots. Some residents and visitors say the change will exacerbate an already frustrating parking situation.

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.

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.