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Kansas City Launches Open Doors! Program for FIFA World Cup 2026

Open Doors! brings vacant spaces to life during the World Cup. Kansas City's innovative program offers grants and support to businesses and artists, revitalizing neighborhoods and attracting global attention.

In this picture, it seems like a store, posters and a building in the foreground.
In this picture, it seems like a store, posters and a building in the foreground.

Kansas City Launches Open Doors! Program for FIFA World Cup 2026

Kansas City is preparing for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 with the launch of the Open Doors! program. This initiative, supported by the City of Kansas City, Missouri, KC BizCare, EDCKC, and notable foundations, aims to transform vacant commercial spaces in the downtown area during the event of the Kansas City Chiefs. Open Doors! is part of a wider strategy to prepare Kansas City for the global spotlight. It joins existing projects like Kiva KC, Savings Match, and the Social Impact Pitch Competition. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to businesses and artists, covering retail pop-up activations, build-out costs, inventory, operations, and lease subsidies for property owners. Successful applicants will be paired with vacant properties by February 2026, aligning with the World Cup's timeline from June 11 to July 17. The program also provides extensive technical assistance, including lease negotiation, marketing, financial and legal services, access to capital, and resource navigation. Open Doors! is a collaborative effort between the City of Kansas City, KC BizCare, EDCKC, and financial supporters like the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and IKEA. Its goal is to revitalize Kansas City's neighborhoods, boost the local tax base, and provide international exposure for participants during the World Cup of the Kansas City Chiefs.

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