Entrepreneurs worry World Cup could leave small biz, communities on the losing team

FIFA’s summer games set to bring opportunity to Kansas City, but some fear a ripple effect that lasts far longer than the 2026 matches

With each month that passes before Kansas City hosts games for the FIFA World Cup in June 2026, local small business owners are facing anxiety about the uncertain plays ahead — and demanding answers (along with a spot on the pitch).

Community members gather to express their concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup during a town hall event organized by KCMO’s Small Business Task Force; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Community voices rose Tuesday evening at The Bauer during a town hall organized by the city’s Small Business Task Force; World Cup-related concerns ranged from gentrification, displacement, and access to opportunity.

The town hall format was intended to make space for such critical engagement, acknowledged Nia Webster, assistant director of Neighborhood Services Department, which oversees the KC BizCare Office.

“We wanted to create something where you can actually talk to the task force members, tell them about what is happening, and what you need,” she said. “Then, when recommendations do come before the task force, they know they’re making the right decisions.”

An initiative of Mayor Quinton Lucas’ office, the Small Business Task Force was formed in the wake of the 2023 NFL Draft — a major sports event that left many local business owners vocal about feeling left out of the planning and, ultimately, the profits.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to drop a $653 million economic impact on Kansas City, according to organizers at KC 2026, and this go-round entrepreneurs say they want a greater share of the winnings. 

Spotlight on 18th & Vine: legacy at risk

One of the night’s most passionate discussions centered on the historic 18th & Vine District, a cultural landmark and a symbol of Black entrepreneurship in Kansas City.

“I’d feel embarrassed for someone coming from an international country to see what 18th and Vine looks like today,” one business owner shared, noting the current state of the district is disappointing, while pricing out locals from investing in making it better. “As a small business owner, we can’t afford to have a business down there.”

The speaker expressed deep concerns over proposed changes that would lure World Cup and other visiting crowds, like a pedestrian mall, arguing it could worsen gentrification and further push out longtime Black-owned businesses.

KCMO Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw speaks to small business owners during a town hall event; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

“It used to be a business district for Black families because of segregation,” they said. “And now it’s being slowly gentrified.”

City officials pushed back against the idea that 18th & Vine is being ignored. Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw pointed to a $4 million investment currently underway, including a new 400-space parking garage set to be completed in time for the World Cup.

ICYMI: $20M project expected to remove key barrier to unlocking 18th & Vine vibrancy: parking

“We passed anti-displacement legislation for both housing and businesses about a year and a half ago,” Parks-Shaw said. “Multiple departments are working on that now, and there will be public engagement in the coming months.”

Nia Webster, assistant director of Neighborhood Services Department, which oversees the KC BizCare Office, and Tracy Whelpley, director of regional impact for FIFA World Cup Kansas City, speak during a town hall event organized by KCMO’s Small Business Task Force; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

Transportation, public safety

As one of FIFA’s core requirements, transportation is a major focus. It remains not just a logistical hurdle, locals said, but as a barrier that could leave some communities out of the action.

“KC 2026 is a nonprofit that is set up to deliver on obligations to FIFA first,” said Tracy Whelpley, director of regional impact for FIFA World Cup Kansas City. “That includes safe, secure transportation and a solid visitor experience, in collaboration with cities, counties, and states across the region.”

But attendees voiced concern about neighborhoods already disconnected from economic development, questioning how they’ll access foot traffic and resources.

Whelpley acknowledged the challenge, noting that planners are still trying to understand the event’s scope.

“We’re working to find a data analytics provider to help us map out where 650,000 people will be over four to five weeks,” she said. “And how they’ll be moving around.”

Councilman Wes Rogers added that public safety is being prioritized alongside mobility.

“We just passed the public safety sales tax renewal,” he said. “And now we’re building a jail, which will help hold people accountable.”

Nia Webster, assistant director of Neighborhood Services Department, which oversees the KC BizCare Office, opens a town hall event organized by KCMO’s Small Business Task Force; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

Closing information gaps

Another key issue raised was a perceived lack of clear communication around how local businesses can participate.

“FIFA has not yet communicated to us what their procurement needs will be,” Whelpley admitted. “But we’ll be promoting contracts over $15,000 through our website, BizCare, and other entrepreneurial support networks.”

RELATED: Clock is ticking on World Cup 2026: Small businesses urged to prepare before this buzzer-beater

Still, some attendees said outreach hasn’t gone far enough.

“A lot of small businesses don’t have time to come to meetings like this,” one participant said. “There has to be a conscious effort to reach businesses in underserved areas.”

Whelpley encouraged business owners to lean into their strengths and community networks. “Don’t try to contort yourself into something you aren’t,” she said. “The best opportunities are going to come from doing what you already do well.”

Check out a photo gallery by Startland News Taylor Wilmore and Nikki Overfelt Chifalu from the town hall below.