Investing in Kansas City’s entrepreneurs ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026™

As Kansas City prepares for a surge in global visitors ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Airbnb has announced a $100,000 investment in Open Doors!, a locally led initiative focused on expanding opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

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.

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.

Supporting Kansas City's entrepreneurs

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

Kansas City Neighborhood Services Department Assistant Director Nia Webster

"This is a defining moment for Kansas City, and it's critical that our local businesses are positioned to benefit. 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."

Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City President and CEO Tracey Lewis

"Kansas City's entrepreneurs are some of its best ambassadors, and Open Doors! is giving them a platform at exactly the right moment. This investment is about making sure that when the world arrives this summer, the economic opportunity reaches the entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the heart of this community."

Airbnb Government Affairs Lead Vincent Frillici

Projected economic impact for Kansas City

During the tournament, hosts and guests in and around Kansas City are expected to welcome approximately 11,000 guests, according to Deloitte. That activity is projected to generate an estimated $105 million in GDP, support over 400 full-time equivalent jobs through 2026, and deliver roughly $3,500 in supplemental income to each local host. These benefits reflect how hosting keeps visitor spending in neighborhoods, local restaurants, and small businesses.

About the Airbnb Host City Impact Program

The Airbnb Host City Impact Program is a dedicated initiative associated with Airbnb's partnership with FIFA. It includes $5 million in support for select projects in host cities that foster economic growth and enhance the event experience for residents and visitors. Previous investments have supported new soccer mini-pitches in New York and New Jersey, the development of a new Green Corridor in Houston, and Official SeattleFWC26 Fan Zones across Washington.