$100,000 Airbnb Investment to Support Local Entrepreneurs

"Open Doors! is about creating real opportunities for local entrepreneurs to step into visible, high-traffic spaces and grow their businesses," said Nia Webster, Assistant Director. "This partnership with Airbnb allows us to meet the moment-connecting increased visitor demand with the small businesses that make Kansas City unique."

During the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Kansas City is expected to welcome approximately 11,000 Airbnb guests, generating an estimated $105 million in economic activity. This investment is designed to ensure that increased visitation directly benefits local entrepreneurs, small businesses, and neighborhoods across the urban core.

Open Doors!, led by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City in partnership with the City of Kansas City, activates vacant storefronts by placing local entrepreneurs into high-visibility spaces throughout downtown. Located along the streetcar corridor, these businesses are positioned to meet visitors where they are-transforming increased foot traffic into real economic opportunity.

"This is a defining moment for Kansas City, and our local businesses must be positioned to benefit," said Tracey Lewis, President and CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City. "Through Open Doors! and our partnership with Airbnb, we're ensuring that global attention translates into real, lasting economic impact for the entrepreneurs driving our city forward."

In addition to this investment, Airbnb will serve as the exclusive lead sponsor of the Airbnb Small Business Guide, a digital resource developed in partnership with Open Doors! that will connect World Cup visitors to local businesses, restaurants, and storefronts across Kansas City's urban core. These efforts are part of Airbnb's Host City Impact Program, a $5 million commitment supporting projects in FIFA World Cup 2026™ host cities that drive economic growth and enhance the visitor experience.