PHKC earns more state funding for 811 Retail Incubator; MTC boosting small biz

Another round of financial support from the Missouri Technology Corporation proves state economic development leaders understand that innovation also runs along main street, said Dan Smith.

The Porter House KC’s 811 Retail Incubator at 811 E. 31st St.; photo by Taylor Wilmore, Startland News

The Porter House KC — which just opened its 811 Retail Incubator in late July — is among seven entities just awarded a total of $1.8 million in Physical Infrastructure grants from MTC. The program seeks to ensure Missouri entrepreneurs have access to the physical infrastructure and resources required to launch and grow their businesses.

Individual funding totals are not disclosed by the grants program.

“MTC is showing its commitment to small businesses across the state, and its desire to support innovation,” said Smith, co-founder of PHKC, which operates the new 811 Retail Incubator as a storefront for emerging retail-focused entrepreneurs who are not yet able to jump into a standalone space of their own.

RELATED: Resilience pays off as retail incubator opens doors; Meet the first featured founders at PHKC

Funds allotted to the incubator from MTC are expected to help hire two part-time employees and power the renovation of the nonprofit’s backyard space at 811 E. 31st St. Once completed, the backyard will be used for year-round programming, pop-ups, and event rentals.

The Porter House KC was a member of the Physical Infrastructure grants’ pilot program in 2023, which helped launch the second phase of construction for the 811 Retail Incubator near Kansas City’s east side.

“The feeling is unimaginable,” Smith said of MTC’s ongoing support. “We are so blessed to be able to be in a position to apply for and receive these funds.”

RELATED: MTC just awarded $2.6M in investments; three KC tech startups earn state backing

The Porter House KC serves early stage entrepreneurs and businesses that are attempting to launch or expand, but have been halted or delayed by the need for greater education or more resources.

The incubator space already is home to four local retailers: CRWND Illustrations, Someday Sunday, KC Thrift Tours, and Weirdo Nailz. Four more spots within the space are still available for rent to entrepreneurs who might be a good fit for the project.

Keliah Smith, CRWND Illustrations; photo by Nikki Overfelt Chifalu, Startland News

In addition to building out the space, the project has pushed leaders at The Porter House KC to further develop their own “patience IQ,” Smith said, noting a mix of out-of-their-control challenges and new opportunities created by opening the nonprofit’s first truly public-facing space.

In addition to PHKC’s 811 Retail Incubator, projects receiving funding included:

• 39 North AgTech Innovation District 
• BioSTL
• Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) 
• Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation (JACC) – Joseph Newman Innovation Center 
• Missouri Innovation Center
• Missouri State University – efactory 

Click here for more details on awardees and their funded initiatives.