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.

Matched through the new Open Doors! initiative — part of the broader City of Entrepreneurs strategy led by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (EDCKC) and The City of Kansas City, Missouri — selected ventures will begin operating in their new spaces by June 1 throughout downtown and surrounding districts, including the Crossroads, 18th & Vine, River Market, Midtown, and Westport.

“Open Doors! is about access and visibility,” said Webster, city program Lead for Open Doors!  “We’re creating real opportunities for businesses to step into high-traffic spaces, connect with new customers, and build momentum that lasts beyond the World Cup.”

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While Open Doors! is timed to coincide with the World Cup, the program is designed as a pilot for a longer-term approach to small business development and commercial corridor activation.

Participating businesses will report on performance metrics such as sales and foot traffic, helping inform future rounds and potential expansion of the program, Webster said.

Selected businesses and organizations include:

• KC Jazz Alive (Emily A. Behrmann), 515 W SW Blvd, Suite 1 — A live jazz and music experience celebrating Kansas City’s deep cultural roots in sound and performance.
• Music Across Borders (Lindsey Jarrett), 515 W SW Blvd, Suite 2 — A cultural music platform connecting global sounds and communities through immersive programming.
• Precious Frivolities (April Madden), 1712 Main St. — An elevated retail experience bringing together established artists, designers, and curated vintage retailers.
• Sarah Nelson, 1712 Main St — A visual artist bringing expressive, community-centered work into a shared creative environment.
• Alloy: Metal Smithing, 1712 Main St — A metalsmithing studio offering handcrafted jewelry and functional art pieces.
• AnnMann Designs — 1712 Main St — A design-forward creative brand focused on unique, handcrafted goods.
• Hella Good Deeds (Béty Lê Shackelford), 913 E 5th St — A purpose-driven concept blending retail with community impact and storytelling.
• Birdies (Peregrine Honig), 1800 Baltimore Ave — A boutique retail experience rooted in art, fashion, and creative expression.
• JVB Swim (Jillian Beyer), 3901 Main St — A swimwear brand offering bold, contemporary designs centered on confidence and identity.
• Studio Cheeks (Kyra Gross), 2004 Grand Blvd — A creative studio highlighting visual art and playful, expressive design.
• Raw Art LLC (Remy Wharry), 3004 Troost Ave — An art-focused concept centered on painting, creativity, and immersive artistic experiences.
• Megh Knappenberger Art (Megh Knappenberger), 108 Missouri Ave — A fine artist showcasing original works and curated creative products.
• Bubbles + Goo (Antoinette Redmond), 510 Delaware, Suite 1 — A bath and body brand offering handcrafted self-care products with a playful edge.
• Cut + Sew Productions KC (Paige Beltowski), 510 Delaware, Suite 2 — A fashion and textile studio specializing in custom garments and sewn goods.
• Boxx Décor Co. (Morgan D. Irvin), 1710–1712 E 18th Str — An elevated home décor experience offering curated, ready-to-style interior pieces.
• Grind LLC (Justin Boudreaux), 1708 E 18th St — A lifestyle-driven coffee and culture brand rooted in community and daily ritual.
• El Café Cubano (Racquel Rodriguez), 414 E 12th St, 1st Floor Rotunda — A Cuban café experience bringing bold flavors and cultural tradition to downtown.
• National Association of Asian American Professionals (Hao Quach), 201 Westport Road — A collaborative community activation highlighting culture, entrepreneurship, and shared space.
• Cupcakin (Erica Harris), 1512 E 18th St — A beloved local bakery known for its handcrafted cupcakes and vibrant flavors.
• Safi Fresh (LaRonda LaNear), 1512 E 18th St — A fresh food and catering concept focused on quality ingredients and community connection.
• Madrina Vegana Taqueria (Erica Munoz), 1881 Main St — A plant-based taqueria offering bold, flavorful vegan interpretations of traditional dishes.
• Brain Freeze Mobile Daiquiri (James Thomas), 408 E 31st St — A mobile beverage concept delivering refreshing frozen cocktails and high-energy experiences.

Open Doors! spans more than 43,000 square feet of activated space and represents one of the most coordinated small business activation efforts tied to a major global event in Kansas City’s history, Webster said.

The initiative is designed to lower barriers to entry for businesses ready to grow by providing:

• Short-term, subsidized storefront opportunities (3-6 months);
• Working capital grants to support build-out and operations;
• Technical assistance in legal, marketing, finance, access to capital and business development; and
• Access to high-traffic locations during the World Cup

Together, these elements create a launchpad for businesses to test concepts, expand their reach, and build long-term sustainability, Webster added.

To enhance accessibility, Open Doors! businesses will also be featured in a Small Business Guide developed in partnership with Airbnb, helping visitors navigate and discover local businesses throughout their stay.

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“This partnership with Airbnb allows us to meet the moment — connecting increased visitor demand with the small businesses that make Kansas City unique,” said Webster.

With leadership and coordination through EDCKC and the City of KCMO, Open Doors! is supported by a network of local and national partners providing funding, technical assistance, and marketing support.

The program was funded through a combination of public investment and philanthropic support, including contributions from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), as well as support from corporate and community partners such as Airbnb, IKEA, UMKC Legal Clinic, Evergy, Pathway Financial Education, T-Mobile, and Wells Fargo.

“This initiative is about more than activation — it’s about long-term economic opportunity,” said Tracey Lewis, president and CEO of the EDCKC. “By investing in local businesses and placing them in high-visibility spaces, we are strengthening Kansas City’s small business ecosystem in a meaningful and measurable way.”