Kansas City is preparing for the largest tourism event in its history—the 2026 World Cup. Open Doors! invites small business owners, artists, and cultural organizations to propose creative retail pop-up concepts for vacant storefront spaces in downtown Kansas City. Applicants are encouraged to share their vision, business plan, and activation strategy to help create a dynamic and welcoming environment for visitors and residents alike.

Through this program, small businesses and artists are paired with property owners to transform empty commercial spaces into vibrant temporary storefront shops. These shops are high-impact retail spaces meant to create vibrant destinations near Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods. Selected applicants will receive:

• Temporary subsidized lease space (3–6 months, with potential extension) in downtown Kansas City. The pop-up must be retail-based.

• Grant funding up to $10,000 to cover build-out, inventory, permit fees, and insurance expenses. Stipends may vary for shared or collaborative concepts.

• Access to technical assistance in lease negotiation, build-out, marketing, financial and legal services, access to capital, and resource navigation.

This is a one-time grant opportunity and will not extend beyond the pop-up activation period, though it may be renewed based on future funding availability.

To qualify as a small business applicant:

• Local and national small businesses may apply. Priority is given to businesses established in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area (MSA).

• Businesses with existing storefronts are eligible and encouraged to apply.

• The business must have been established on or before January 1, 2023.

• The business must be generating revenue of at least $50,000 in 2024. Applicants must submit tax returns and profit and loss statements.

• The business must possess all necessary registrations, licenses, and permits.

  • Local businesses must have a current KCMO business license.

  • Businesses outside Kansas City, Missouri must submit a certificate of good standing from their state’s Secretary of State office and obtain all required local permits and licenses for their retail concept.

To qualify as an artist-based business applicant:

• Applicants must be individual artists, creative entrepreneurs, or maker-based businesses producing original works or creative products for retail sale.

• Applicants must be based in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area (MSA) or demonstrate a strong connection to the local creative community.

• The business or creative practice must have been established on or before January 1, 2024.

• Applicants must demonstrate a consistent record of creative production or sales, such as participation in art fairs, markets, exhibitions, or online sales.

• Applicants must possess or be willing to obtain all necessary business registrations, permits, and insurance required for retail operations.

• Collaborative or collective artist groups are eligible to apply under a shared concept.

To qualify as an organization applicant:

• Applicants must be nonprofit organizations, community groups, or collectives proposing a shared retail concept that aligns with the goals of Open Doors!

• The organization must be registered and in good standing with the appropriate state agency.

• The organization must have been established on or before January 1, 2023.

• The proposed concept must include multiple participants or partners (e.g., artists, small businesses, or cultural vendors) collaborating under one retail activation.

• The organization must demonstrate capacity to manage shared space, including coordination of vendors, scheduling, and financial oversight.

• Organizations must provide proof of nonprofit status (if applicable) and submit a budget and operational plan for the pop-up.

The following types of businesses and organizations are not eligible for participation:

• Payday loan businesses

• Hookah and vape shops

• Adult entertainment establishments

• Marijuana-related businesses

• Political campaign or lobbying organizations

• Religious organizations

• To apply for the grant, log in or register for a BEAM ACCOUNT.

• Complete all required sections and attach supporting documents.

• Review the application for accuracy and completeness.

• Submit the application by December 5, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST.

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

• APPLY HERE