Small Business Resource Directory

Entrepreneur Business Basics (EBB) was founded in Kansas City in May 2014 by Founder and CEO, Kira Cheree’. Seeing a gap in support for minority startups, EBB creates training and programming to specifically serve them as they launch, grow and sustain their businesses. Through our board-certified and fully accredited entrepreneurship program, JUMP©, EBB hosts 12-week cohorts for adult learners. Our fully automated training platform allows for synchronous and asynchronous options.

Holy Rosary Credit Union, established in 1943, strives to provide economic opportunity through offering loan and banking services to people and businesses in the area at low and affordable rates. Their purpose is to allow people to borrow and invest while still building their wealth and providing equitable economic opportunities.

The Porter House KC is an entrepreneurship support organization (ESO) committed to bridging the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and community driven resources. Established in 2017, The Porter House is focused on serving ‘non-traditional’ entrepreneurs, those who may not have loan approval, viable funding resources, or a formal business education.

The Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) assists small businesses with expansions to create and/or retain jobs in Kansas City, Missouri when conventional bank financing is not possible.

Projects Eligible for Financing:

For-profit business

Not-for-debt refinance

Located within the City limits of Kansas City, Missouri

Kiva connects entrepreneurs with 0% interest loans between $1,000-$15,000 that are crowdfunded by a community of 2M+ individual lenders on their online platform. The Kiva Kansas City team works with local entrepreneurs to help them succeed throughout the Kiva loan application, fundraising, and repayment processes. Kiva engages a community of over 2 million lenders who crowdfund the loans by contributing as little as $25, providing entrepreneurs with affordable capital to support their business. Kiva and its lenders want to support small business owners to create jobs, support their families, and make a positive impact in their communities.

WeDevelopment Federal Credit Union (WDFCU) located at 3123 Prospect Ave, Kansas City, Missouri 64128 is ready for business. Call 816-266-1003 or visit our community branch for all your deposit and lending needs! Coffee and financial advice are always free!

The WeDevelopment credit union serves Kansas City residents who live in the area roughly bounded by the Missouri River on the north, 85th Street on the south, Troost Avenue on the west and Interstate 435 on the east. The service area also includes portions of the city’s West side, the Star reported.

The Missouri Secretary of State's Office serves as the official filing and records agency for businesses in the state. It offers essential services including business entity registration (LLCs, corporations, nonprofits, etc.), maintenance of business records, and access to annual report filing. The office also provides online tools to check name availability, search existing businesses, and file documents electronically. In addition, it helps protect consumers and promote transparency through its business name database and securities regulation.

Starting or growing a business in Kansas City can be tough, but we got you. No matter if you’re starting a side hustle or scaling your established business, KCSourceLink knows which of Kansas City’s 230+ business resources will suit you best to help you start, scale and accelerate.

SCORE can help you start, grow or successfully exit a business. Small business owners who receive three or more hours of mentoring report higher revenues and increased growth. 

Kansas City is taking steps to support local businesses downtown ahead of the 2026 World Cup by launching the Small Business Storefront Vacancy Revitalization Pilot Program, approved by the City Council.

For Small Businesses and Artists interested in becoming a vendor: https://www.cognitoforms.com/KansasCity2/KCBizCareBusinessesAndArtistsInterestForm

For Private Property Owners looking to lease their property: https://www.cognitoforms.com/KansasCity2/PrivatePropertyOwnersInterestForm

KC2026 is A nonprofit organization overseeing strategy and delivering host city duties for FIFA World Cup 26™, KC2026 will plan, construct and implement all aspects of Kansas City’s largest sports and fan engagement event in the region’s history. KC2026 is committed to providing opportunities for small, local business communities to support official Host City events and regional activations.

The Prospect Business Association (PBA) serves businesses and entrepreneurs across all industries in the Greater KC Region.  PBA provides hands-on assistance and back-office support needed to start, scale, and sustain companies based on their unique needs. Their programs are designed to help Kansas City's businesses flourish.

The KC Chamber of Commerce represents more than 2,000 companies, approximately 90% of them are defined as small businesses. The Chamber aims to grow the region's economy, advocate for businesses’ interest in public policy, and provide innovative programs and resources to help members grow their businesses. 

1. The Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater KC is an action and advocacy organization designed to meet the needs of the black business community of KC. The Black Chamber of Commerce of Greater KC is committed to helping promote, sustain, and maintain economic progress for black-owned businesses in the KC Metropolitan area.
   

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Greater KC is dedicated to the creation, advancement, promotion, and development of economic opportunities within the Hispanic market and business community. In partnership with the T-Mobile Hispanic Business Center, the Chamber provides training, access to procurement opportunities, networking events, and support strategies for Hispanic entrepreneurs in the KC Metro.

The Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City is a non-profit organization formed to enhance economic opportunities through education, networking, and advocacy while promoting community engagement and visibility. The Chamber hosts monthly programing and events including business development seminars, networking events, B2B Procurement events and career fairs.

Visit KC is a platform used to allow visitors and residents to find things to do, see, eat, or stay at in Kansas City. This platform is beneficial to any small business looking to put their business in the spotlight and advertise it to anyone who may be in the Kansas City area looking for some businesses to visit and/or buy from. 

The Kansas City Area Development Council is a private, non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive list of resources for entrepreneurs to succeed in KC. They represent the economic interests of the entire KC Metropolitain Area, with the goal to engage people to invest in the OneKC region.

LISC’s Business Development Organization Network provides one-on-one technical assistance and capital access support to small businesses in their targeted neighborhoods. 

The Hispanic Economic Development Corportation is dedicated to improving the lives of Latinos within Greater KC. They do this through programs that support business development, along with economic and community wealth creation initiatives. They offer courses, workshops and other programs designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs.

The Business Development Team within the Missouri Department of Economic Developemnt is ready to help your existing Missouri Business. They offer programs to help your business grow, expand and locate in Missouri. 

ArtsKC is an arts service organization that has a dedicated strategic focus to promote, support and advocate for the arts in the Kansas City Metropolitan Region.

The Missouri Department of Revenue administers Missouri’s Tax laws. Register with the Department for your Missouri Sale Tax Number, along with other necessary registration, licenses, and permits.  

Pathway Financial is a nonprofit organization committed to breaking down barriers to financial knowledge. They offer free financial education, 1:1 opportunities, and hands on support to small business owners. 

The Northland Regional Chamber of Commerce serves to enhance the business community, economic growth and quality of life in the Northland. The Chamber aims to lead the development of activities and partnerships among businesses, government and education.  

The Northeast Chamber of Commerce serves the Historic Northeast area of Kansas City, MO. They are committed to creating opportunities for businesses and individuals by connecting, collaborating, and growing together. 

The South Kansas City Chamber of Commerce (SKCC) is a non-profit membership organization primarily serving businesses south of 75th Street in KCMO. Offering a 8 month Leadership program, monthly member meetings, and an legislative agenda that aims to grow and sustain businesses in South Kansas City.

The 1 Million Cups initiative was developed by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in 2012 based on the idea that entrepreneurs discover solutions and engage with their communities. The organization seeks to change conditions, address root causes, and break down barriers in order for all people to achieve economic stability, mobility, and prosperity.  They provide a space for local entrepreneurs to meet and discuss their businesses to a thriving peer network of founders in the area.  

Kansas City Public Library offers resources to small businesses in the area, including one-on-one appointments with their Small Business Engagement Specialist to help with a variety of things. The Library also features an extensive cataloged of resources to do anything from writing your business play to the best ways to network with local organizations. Every week, the Small Businesses Engagement Specialists host events at different branches.  

Keystone Innovation District is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit established in 2018 to bring together educators, corporations, entrepreneurs, and the community. They work to help startups, entrepreneurs, and corporations through their programming which is dedicated to each level.

All businesses are required to have a Federal Employer Identification Number (#FEIN or #EIN). The IRS application is available daily from 7am to 9pm with immediate issue online. 

All businesses located within Kansas City, Missouri are required to obtain a general business license in order to comply with the city’s licensing and tax laws. Quick Tax is the system that Kansas City, Missouri uses to register for online business licensing.

MO SBDC- UMKC (Missouri Small Business Development Center at UMKC) is Kansas City's leading resource for growing and developing businesses. The Center was founded to provide small businesses and technology venture firms in the Kansas City region with the analysis, training, and guidance they need to confidently grow and develop. Can email - sbdc@umkc.edu

If you’re planning to operate a short-term rental (STR) in Kansas City, Missouri—whether it’s a private room, apartment, or whole home—you must register with the city. This guide outlines the key steps and documents required for both residents and non-residents.

KCMO Short-Term Rental Page

Launching a business in Kansas City, Missouri involves several important registrations and approvals. This checklist summarizes the key steps for obtaining a business license, permits, and certifications required by the city. It is meant as a guide and should be used in conjunction with advice from legal and financial professionals. Requirements may vary based on your business type.

Planning to serve or sell food at a temporary event in Kansas City? Whether you’re a food truck, tent vendor, or community kitchen, you’ll need a Temporary Food Permit. This guide outlines the key steps, requirements, and important tips to help you get approved to operate legally and safely.

Kansas City Health Department Page

Before opening a new business or moving into a commercial space in Kansas City, you must understand how the city classifies property use. A Change of Use or Change of Occupancy may be required—even if no construction is planned. This guide helps you understand when a change is triggered, how to stay compliant, and what steps to take.

Development Process Guide Page

This video explores information gathering to inform decisions about choosing a business organization form from among a recently expanded “menu” of options (which includes corporations, limited liability companies, various types of partnerships, and other possibilities to consider); the relationship between that decision and desired federal income tax status; why securities regulation is relevant to the “Choice of Entity” decision and to raising capital in compliance securities laws; and some common mistakes (such as “accidental partnerships” and incomplete documents).

This video explores the very common and challenging matter of deciding if a worker engaged to perform work for a business is an employee or an independent contractor. The discussion in it covers reasons why that determination matters in terms of various types of potential liabilities for a worker’s actions, and tax and other obligations; the key factor of degree of control of the worker in relation to employee vs. independent contractor classification; and some common mistakes and implications of misclassification.

This video explores the definition of major categories of intellectual property (IP), including trademark, patent, trade secret, and copyright; ways to protect the owner of the IP against its unauthorized use by others; why a business needs to be concerned about not just protecting its IP but also not infringing on the IP of others, and related risks of mistake; and some ways for innovators and entrepreneurs of limited financial means to access information and legal counsel on IP matters.

This video provides a concise overview of key sales tax considerations for businesses selling goods or services online across multiple states and jurisdictions. It covers the factors that establish a seller's obligation to collect and remit sales tax—commonly referred to as “nexus”—and highlights how these rules vary significantly from state to state. The video also explains the role of marketplace facilitators and payment processors in assisting with compliance, including the limitations of their services. Additionally, it outlines common pitfalls businesses encounter, such as miscalculating tax liabilities or overlooking other applicable state and local taxes.

This Liquor License Registration guide is intended to serve as a reference document and in no way attempts to provide all the information necessary to obtain a liquor license in the City of Kansas City, Missouri. The advice of an attorney and/or accountant should be sought before conducting any business activities to ensure compliance. Additional paperwork and/or requirements could be needed as the specifics are dependent on the type of license for which you seek.

The process of obtaining a liquor license can take between 30 to 60 days. All Kansas City, Missouri based businesses are required to have a State of Missouri Liquor License to sell alcohol in Kansas City. More details regarding the specific requirements and checklist you will need can be found at https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/neighborhoods-housing-services/regulated-industries

In order to qualify for a Temporary Catering Event Permit (Temporary Liquor License), you must be the holder of a retail sales-by-drink liquor license. This Temporary Liquor License checklist is a guide intended to serve as a reference document and in no way attempts to provide all the information necessary to obtain a Temporary Liquor License (Catering Permit) in the City of Kansas City, MO. The advice of an attorney and/or accountant should be sought before conducting any business activities. Additional paperwork and/or requirements may be required depending on your type of business activity.

Each permit requires its own application and lasts for a period of up to 5 days max. Applications must be filed with the Regulated Industries Division at least FIVE weekdays prior to the date of the scheduled function, occasion, or event is to take place. For more details regarding the specific requirements for a temporary catering event permit, nonprofit special event (liquor) permit, and how to apply for and receive annual catering event permits:

https://www.kcmo.gov/city-hall/departments/neighborhoods-housing-services/regulated-industries.

Outdoor dining setups can take many forms, each tailored to different spaces and needs. Whether you're extending service onto the sidewalk, converting street parking into seating, creating a public parklet, or utilizing a private parking lot, each approach offers unique opportunities to enhance customer experience and activate public or private space. The examples below illustrate the key differences between sidewalk cafés, street cafés, parklets, and parking lot dining spaces.

If you are planning to host a temporary event in Kansas City, this checklist will help guide you through the permitting process. The Temporary Event Permit Checklist is intended to serve as a reference document and does not include all the information necessary to plan or operate a temporary event within city limits. Please note that event organizers may be required to obtain multiple permits depending on the size and scope of the event.