Kansas City’s BizCare Division has been awarded a $250,000 Capacity Building Grant from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation to support its Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Program. This critical investment will expand access to short-term, subsidized commercial spaces and provide technical assistance to local small businesses and artists.
"Kansas City is a city where entrepreneurs and artists turn dreams into reality. The generous $250,000 investment from the Kauffman Foundation will help Kansas City showcase our entrepreneurial spirit,” said Mayor Quinton Lucas. “Activating our vacant storefronts with local businesses and creative talent strengthens our neighborhoods and creates lasting opportunities for Kansas City's small business community."
The program focuses on transforming select vacant storefronts into vibrant destinations through retail activations, pop-ups, and community-centered events—just in time for the influx of visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“This initiative ensures that small businesses and artists will play a visible, meaningful role as thousands of visitors explore Kansas City for the first time,” said Jana Wager, Division Manager of KC BizCare. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation for believing in our vision. Their support empowers us to breathe new life into vacant spaces while helping local entrepreneurs thrive.
Interested in being a pop-up host? If you are a private property owner with a vacant storefront who is interested in hosting a pop-up shop during the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City (May 2026 - July 2026), please complete this Private Property Interest Form
We are specifically seeking properties located in the downtown area, along the streetcar line, and in entertainment districts in Kansas City, Missouri. Ideally, we are looking for micro-retail spaces of 1,000 square feet or less, or properties that can accommodate multiple concepts through a shared space.
Interested in being a pop-up activator? If you are a business owner, artist, or organization supporting entrepreneurs/artists who are interested in proposing a pop-up concept for the 2026 World Cup in Kansas City, please complete this SMB and Artist Interest Form You will be notified about the program once it is ready for launch later this fall.
For more information about this and other KC BizCare initiatives, sign up for the BizCare Newsletter.