Kansas City to Activate Vacant Storefronts Ahead of World Cup

Empowering Local Entrepreneurs, Bringing New Life to Downtown Storefronts

For Immediate Release: June 6, 2025

Kansas City is taking steps to support local businesses downtown ahead of the 2026 World Cup by launching the Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program, approved by the City Council. The City's goal is to create opportunities for small businesses and artists to take advantage of the high volume of tourism that is expected with the 2026 World Cup games. The program will help put them near major activations and tourist locations.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world for the FIFA 2026 World Cup, we're investing in our legacy small businesses and entrepreneurs to ensure all can succeed during the summer of 2026 and long after," said Mayor Quinton Lucas. "The Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program is building business opportunities citywide for local businesses to thrive over the next generation."

The City Council approved $1.4 million in funds, comprising $1 million from the Development Services Fund and $400,000 from the Economic Development Fund. The program will provide financial and technical assistance to small businesses and artists to help them activate vacant storefronts.

In February, the Small Business Task Force conducted several roundtable discussions during their comprehensive planning retreat. This included a focused conversation with ecosystem partners and the KC2026 team about preparing small businesses for the upcoming 2026 World Cup games.

Additionally, the Task Force organized a town hall event for small businesses in April, where much of the discussion revolved around the World Cup. The storefront program is just one of many initiatives the city is implementing through the Small Business Task Force and the KC BizCare Office.

This will include additional efforts such as:

• City Regulatory Education and Outreach

• Policy Reform to support small businesses during major tourist events

• Small Business Access to Capital Programs (e.g., Kiva KC, Outdoor Dining Grants, and Back to Business Fund)

• Economic Development aimed at making retail spaces more affordable and accessible

• Language Access and Translation Services for Entrepreneurs

• Shop Local Campaign and/or Bus Tours

• Wayfinding through Public Art and Live Performance Activations

"The World Cup is just the beginning of Kansas City's time on the world stage," said Wes Rogers, 2nd District Councilman. "When visitors from all over the world visit next year, we need to be open for business, so they come back to Kansas City again and again. To do that we need vibrant storefronts, and the Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program will help make that a reality."

Through the pilot program, businesses and artists will be given free or reduced leases for short-term placements or subsidized long-term lease funding. They will also receive professional support in commercial space development, marketing, business planning, and lease negotiations.

"This program is helping Kansas City put its best foot forward," said Mayor Pro Tem Ryana Parks-Shaw. "By transforming empty storefronts into vibrant pop-up spaces, we're supporting local entrepreneurs, improving the visitor experience, and showcasing the creativity and resilience of our neighborhoods. It's an investment in local talent that will have an impact well beyond the World Cup."

The Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program will be open to both local and national businesses and artists, including retail, restaurants, food and beverage establishments, and many more. The program will also provide fixed stipends to participants to help with merchandising, staffing, and art installation. The lease amount will vary based on location, and the activation will be negotiated with the property owner.

"Small and main street businesses are the backbone of our city-they are what give Kansas City its vibrancy, character, and community pride. As a member of the Small Business Task Force, I believe it's critical that we continue finding tangible ways to help these businesses grow, sustain, and feel valued," said Davin Gordon, Small Business Task Force Member. "The Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot is a meaningful step toward ensuring our local entrepreneurs are front and center as we prepare to welcome the world in 2026. This is about more than aesthetics-it's about investing in the people and places that make Kansas City thrive."

The program is anticipated to launch later this summer. For businesses and artists who are interested in the program, please sign up for the KC BizCare Office Newsletter and follow the office on social media for future announcements about the program. For private property owners in the downtown area, if you are interested in partnering on the storefront program, please complete the interest form.

For all other questions about resources to prepare for the World Cup visit the KC BizCare website or email the KC BizCare Office at kcbizcare@kcmo.org. We highly encourage business owners to start researching and applying for any permits or licenses now to prepare for next year.