KC BizCare receives $20K grant to promote economic mobility ahead of 2026 World Cup
June 13, 2025 | Startland News Staff
A sixth-month initiative to rapidly boost small businesses and entrepreneurs in Kansas City is expected to help KCMO leaders drive readiness for the massive influx of FIFA World Cup visitors in summer 2026.
The National League of Cities (NLC) this week awarded Kansas City a $20,000 grant and expert guidance to promote economic mobility in the city ahead of the unprecedented, 40-day sports event that is expected to bring 650,000 professional soccer fans to the region.
Mayor Quinton Lucas speaks in April during the Downtown Council’s annual luncheon at the Kansas City Convention Center; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
“As Kansas City prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026, we’re committed to ensuring that every corner and zip code in our community benefits from this historic moment,” said Quinton Lucas, mayor of Kansas City, Missouri.
Industries targeted for impact through the program include outdoor dining, liquor licensing, short-term rentals, and restaurants.
Kansas City is one of 12 municipalities from across the country competitively selected to participate in the NLC’s grant initiative, which is supported by the Gates Foundation.
“The Advancing Economic Mobility Rapid Grant to KC BizCare will help level the playing field for small businesses and entrepreneurs by providing essential business readiness training,” Lucas said. “When the world’s eyes are on Kansas City, we want them to see a city where opportunity is truly accessible to all.”
Editor’s note: KC BizCare is a partner of Startland News’ nonprofit newsroom.
RELATED: KCMO sets aside $1.4M to get small biz, artists in the front door before World Cup arrives
Regional leaders discuss Kansas City preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside host city supporters from Populous and Purina during an update event June 11 at Union Station in Kansas City; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News
The NLC program is expected to help fund the promotion of regulatory processes — as well as to expand, test, and implement economic mobility measures — that could impact small businesses and entrepreneurs during the runup to the World Cup, as well as during the games (set for June and July 2026) at Arrowhead Stadium.
KCMO Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw speaks to small business owners during an April town hall event; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News
Participation in the program also has the potential to leverage additional funding for Kansas City to promote economic mobility efforts, according to the KC BizCare Office.
In the past two years, NLC worked with 20 other municipalities, providing more than $350,000 in awards, coaching, and peer-learning opportunities. A team from Kansas City is expected to join representatives from the 23 other municipalities from the current and previous cohorts in a joint economic mobility conference in October.
“I suggested staff to pursue this opportunity because economic mobility must be a reality for every Kansas Citian,” said Ryana Parks-Shaw, who serves as mayor pro tem for KCMO. “This grant allows us to remove barriers for small businesses and entrepreneurs in a pivotal moment for our city. As we prepare for the global spotlight of World Cup 2026, we’re making strategic investments that will position our communities to grow and thrive well beyond the tournament.”
Click here to learn more about city-led efforts to prepare Kansas City entrepreneurs for the coming FIFA World Cup.
Featured Business
2025 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Feel good, but get off the bench: KC’s next big wins require all players join EDCKC in the field
Editor’s note: The following is the fourth in a four-part series exploring the verticals and impact of initiatives within the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City through a paid partnership with EDCKC. Leave KC better than you found it: How matching growth to city’s needs is paying off Wrong tool can wreck a neighborhood; Precision…
Nonprofit founder, tech people leader join Kauffman as trustees on shared mission: economic inclusivity
The year-long transformation of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation continues this week as the influential philanthropic organization announced two new trustees meant to bolster its rebooted grantmaking strategy and commitment to driving equitable economic mobility in Kansas City. Newly appointed leaders to the Kauffman Foundation’s Board of Trustees, Aimée Eubanks Davis and Kristen Ludgate bring…
No cookie-cutter way to create an entrepreneur, so what’s the catalyst? Inside KU’s venture test lab
Editor’s note: The University of Kansas’ School of Business is a partner of Startland News. It’s a practical testing ground for KU students to flex their entrepreneurial muscles, Ryan Rains said, describing a business program built for could-be entrepreneurs who aren’t necessarily even business majors — and who, ultimately, might choose to abandon their concept…
Enactus USA turns 50 in KC as local leaders urge: Give your network to an entrepreneur
A three-day expo featuring student-led innovation and entrepreneurship from across the nation found its home (and groove) “in the heart of the USA” this week, said Mikena Manspeaker, noting the campus of UMKC was the perfect fit for marking the 50th anniversary of Enactus United States. “Kansas City is just booming with entrepreneurial spirit and…