Nia Webster
‘We’re not waiting for anybody else to build it for us’: KC previews amped-up small biz energy ahead of World Cup
As host cities across North America prepare to welcome the world in 2026, Kansas City entrepreneurs are already getting in formation — with a choreographed assist from backers at the City of Entrepreneurs initiative. That REP URS spirit was on full display Wednesday during an Open Doors! Spotlight event at DISTRKCT, offering a closer look…
Visitors will never guess what KC has in store for World Cup: Inside Open Doors! new shops
Bubble and slime play. Vegan Mexican cuisine. A jazz listening room. The variety and depth of Kansas City’s wide-ranging small business community will pop when visitors near and far arrive for the FIFA World Cup, said Nia Webster, calling out a compelling list of entrepreneurs selected for the city’s Open Doors! program.
Get in the game: World Cup match lights opportunity (but only if a risk-taker is willing to strike)
“FIFA isn’t thinking about Kansas City’s legacy. That’s up to us,” said Rich Chungong, a serial tech founder and cryptocurrency enthusiast who turned his attention to community organizing around the World Cup once it became clear leaders needed to step up.
Meet your World Cup neighbors: Open Doors! reveals 20+ business, artist activations
Nearly two dozen small businesses, artists, and organizations will move into vacant storefronts this summer as part of an initiative to keep Kansas City’s local business ecosystem at the epicenter of FIFA World Cup action — and beyond, said Nia Webster.
KC wants World Cup dollars spread further; Here’s why Airbnb is investing in a metrowide economic base camp
A newly announced strategy aims to boost spending throughout neighborhoods and small businesses across the metro — spreading out FIFA World Cup gains like the roughly $105 million in economic activity in June and July tied to short-term rentals alone.
