World Cup readiness event opens City Hall to entrepreneurs hoping to get on the roster

Kansas City wants to score as many points as possible when the FIFA World Cup arrives in 2026, said Janá Wagner, emphasizing that a special event planned Tuesday during GEWKC aims to get businesses into the game now — playbook in hand.

City Hall in downtown Kansas City, Missouri; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

“Our goal is to help as many entrepreneurs as possible get properly licensed, permitted, and fully compliant with KCMO requirements ahead of this once-in-a-generation economic opportunity,” said Wagner, division manager for KC BizCare.

Set for 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the Rotunda of City Hall, “Small Business Day with the City” is expected to provide the guidance, resources, and real-time answers that Kansas City entrepreneurs need to move forward confidently as they prepare for the World Cup — whether they want to open a brick-and-mortar shop, operate a food truck, launch a pop-up for FIFA Fan Festival activities, or simply make sure their current business is in good standing.

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Over the past year, Wagner noted, KC BizCare has led a cross-departmental effort to streamline communication, align internal processes, and ensure that city departments are united around a shared mission: promoting entrepreneurship and removing regulatory barriers for those who want to do business in Kansas City.

“This event is designed to bring that work directly to the community,” she added.

The event is expected to bring together a wide network of City Hall staff committed to supporting local businesses, Wagner said, noting that representatives from several key departments — including KC BizCare, planning and development, regulated industries, the health department (food safety/environmental health), finance/revenue division (business licensing), and parks and recreation (for events and activation spaces) — will be on site, providing one-on-one assistance, answering questions, and guiding attendees through city processes. 

“This collective presence ensures that entrepreneurs can access all the expertise they need in one place — saving them time, reducing confusion, and helping them leave the event with real progress made,” Wagner explained.

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Joining Small Business Day with the City is an ideal opportunity for anyone who owns, operates, or plans to start a business in Kansas City, Missouri, she said.

Rendering of the sprawling FIFA Fan Festival planned for the grounds of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City; image courtesy of Populous

More specifically, attendees may include: current business owners who want to confirm they are compliant before the World Cup; entrepreneurs looking to expand their business or add a new product, service, or location; businesses seeking temporary permits or special licenses for World Cup-related activities; individuals interested in starting a business but unsure where to begin or which departments to contact; and food trucks, caterers, vendors, event producers, and other operators aiming to participate in FIFA Fan Festival or World Cup-adjacent activities.

Nia Webster, assistant director of the Neighborhood Services Department for KCMO, and Janá Wagner, division manager for the KC BizCare office, lead a World Cup ESO Lunch and Learn session in September at City Hall; photo by Tommy Felts, Startland News

“Whether someone needs help understanding zoning requirements, checking their business license status, applying for permits, or navigating inspections, Small Business Day offers a unique chance to get clarity directly from the source,” Wagner said.

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Small Business Day falls during Global Entrepreneurship Week — an international celebration of innovators, job creators, and small business owners —underscoring the city’s dedication to supporting our small business ecosystem year-round, she said.

“KC BizCare is committed to ensuring that Kansas City is an active, engaged participant in this global moment — using it as a platform to connect with our entrepreneurs, listen to their concerns, and simplify the regulatory processes that often create barriers to growth,” Wagner said.

“From now on,” she added, “KC BizCare intends to use this week each year to spotlight business owners, elevate their needs, and provide clear pathways for success in areas such as licensing, zoning, permitting, inspections, and more.”