City of Kansas City, MO
04/01/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/01/2026 10:10
KC Brings Business Marketplace to Union Station
Kansas City, in partnership with the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri (EDCKC), is launching a five-week business marketplace at Union Station's Grand Exhibition Hall during the summer of 2026 as Kansas City hosts matches for the FIFA World Cup™
Operating Thursday through Sunday from June 11 through July 12, the free, public-facing marketplace will bring together a curated mix of Kansas City-based small businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural performers. The activation is part of the broader City of Entrepreneurs initiative, designed to position Kansas City's local business community at the center of the region's largest global tourism moment.
The marketplace will transform Union Station into a high-energy retail and cultural destination, providing local businesses with direct access to unprecedented foot traffic while creating an immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.
"Open Doors! and the City of Entrepreneurs marketplace are about expanding access to opportunity," said Nia Webster, Assistant Director of the Neighborhood Services Department. "We're creating pathways for small businesses and creatives to step into high-visibility spaces and grow in ways that might not have been possible otherwise.
The activation builds on the momentum of Open Doors!, a city-led storefront activation initiative that connects small businesses, artists, and property owners to create vibrant, community-driven retail experiences across downtown Kansas City.
Participating in businesses will represent a range of industries, including retail, service-based concepts, and performance-driven experiences. In addition to product sales, the marketplace will feature ongoing programming designed to highlight Kansas City's culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"The City of Entrepreneurs marketplace reflects our commitment to connecting Kansas City's small businesses to meaningful opportunity," said Tracey Lewis, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. "By leveraging a global moment like the World Cup, we are creating pathways for local entrepreneurs to grow, reach new audiences, and be part of the city's broader economic momentum."
Local businesses and brand sponsors interested in participating can apply by visiting www.repurs.com/unionstation.
Operating Thursday through Sunday from June 11 through July 12, the free, public-facing marketplace will bring together a curated mix of Kansas City-based small businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and cultural performers. The activation is part of the broader City of Entrepreneurs initiative, designed to position Kansas City's local business community at the center of the region's largest global tourism moment.
The marketplace will transform Union Station into a high-energy retail and cultural destination, providing local businesses with direct access to unprecedented foot traffic while creating an immersive experience for residents and visitors alike.
"Open Doors! and the City of Entrepreneurs marketplace are about expanding access to opportunity," said Nia Webster, Assistant Director of the Neighborhood Services Department. "We're creating pathways for small businesses and creatives to step into high-visibility spaces and grow in ways that might not have been possible otherwise.
The activation builds on the momentum of Open Doors!, a city-led storefront activation initiative that connects small businesses, artists, and property owners to create vibrant, community-driven retail experiences across downtown Kansas City.
Participating in businesses will represent a range of industries, including retail, service-based concepts, and performance-driven experiences. In addition to product sales, the marketplace will feature ongoing programming designed to highlight Kansas City's culture, creativity, and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
"The City of Entrepreneurs marketplace reflects our commitment to connecting Kansas City's small businesses to meaningful opportunity," said Tracey Lewis, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City, Missouri. "By leveraging a global moment like the World Cup, we are creating pathways for local entrepreneurs to grow, reach new audiences, and be part of the city's broader economic momentum."
Local businesses and brand sponsors interested in participating can apply by visiting www.repurs.com/unionstation.
City of Kansas City, MO published this content on April 01, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 01, 2026 at 16:10 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]