Browse Opportunities in Kansas City by Industry
The widely recognized BBQ Capital of the World cooks up a lot more than meats and sauces, and for entrepreneurs, this hot business hub may be an ideal home for new franchise locations. Kansas City is a growing center for commerce in Missouri and the overall Midwest, with lots of activity in industries like food and beverage, logistics, health care, manufacturing and technology services.
The city's central location supports access to regional markets, and strong population centers offer a robust customer base nearby.
Keep reading to learn more about franchise opportunities in Kansas City.
Trends and Facts About Kansas City
Kansas City, Missouri, has a population of just over half a million, but the metro area boasts more than 2 million residents. With plenty of potential customers located in the area, new franchise opportunities in Kansas City are plentiful and tend to offer a good chance of success.
Some of the best franchises in Kansas City and the surrounding area are in main industries like logistics, transportation, healthcare, manufacturing and food and beverage. However, support services for residents and businesses also do well here, in part due to the healthy economies supported by growth in these sectors.
While Kansas City is not on a coast, it does benefit from the inland port located on the Missouri River. Commercial real estate and operational costs are still lower than those found in many coastal metro areas, though, and these factors combine to make Crown Town an attractive location for new franchise owners.
In high-demand sectors like food and beverage, home services, fitness and education, franchises are especially popular with K.C. locals, and a well-launched business can see immediate support from the community when it comes to sales. The central location of the city makes it a regional hub and offers easy access to surrounding states and distribution networks, which can support quick growth once you set up a franchise brand in the metro area. Downtown revitalization and suburban expansion are also strong in the area, which can create opportunities for new franchise locations.
Fun Facts about Kansas City
Population: Approx. 508,000 (city proper), over 2.2 million (metro area)
Median Age: 35.7 years
Median Household Income: $67,449 (city)
- Businesses in Metro KC: Over 50,000 businesses with fewer than 100 employees
Why Start a Franchise in Kansas City?
With more than 2 million residents, the Kansas City metro area provides a growing population that ensures a robust potential customer base and workforce for new businesses. Missouri is also generally friendly for small businesses, as franchises and other companies in the area tend to face lower operating costs than businesses in coastal cities do.
The fact that the metro area also offers plenty of affordable commercial real estate locations may make it easier for franchise owners to get a foot in the door. Service-based businesses, restaurants and retail franchises often need a low-cost location in a high-traffic, safe area to get started well.
Finally, Kansas City's central, hub-like location makes it easy to access regional distribution and logistics networks. Access to supplies and equipment can help reduce operating budgets and ensure low-cost options for franchise brands.
Best Franchise Opportunities in Kansas City
The best franchise opportunities in Kansas City are those you might enjoy running that also come with a built-in customer base in the metro area. Some options to consider include:
Food and beverage. The 2 million+ residents of The Heart of America need to eat, and many turn to food businesses to ward off hunger. Fast-casual dining and barbecue restaurants are favorites in the area, while coffee shops and food trucks often keep people fueled and fed during work commutes or busy days.
Health and fitness. A growing desire for holistic wellness and personal fitness services in the area makes gyms, wellness studios, personal training businesses and diet and nutrition services strong franchise opportunities in K.C.
Home and property services. Homeowners in the area often need help keeping up their properties. Business professionals, families and older adults look for franchise brands that offer cleaning, landscaping, HVAC and pest control services.
Education and childcare. Families and college students in the area often turn to businesses in this sector for support with tutoring, childcare, after-school activities and learning and early childhood development.
Automotive services. Plenty of commuters and families in the area rely on their vehicles to support daily transportation to work, school and social activities. Repair shops, detailing and car wash businesses and mobile service providers can find a steady foothold in the K.C. economy.
Retail and convenience. Convenience stores, specialty shops, mobile retail locations and essential service franchises all work well in the sprawling suburban landscape around Kansas City.
Steps to Owning a Franchise in Kansas City
Buying a franchise in Kansas City takes planning, but the process is straightforward and repeatable once you know where to start. From finding the right opportunity for you to meeting Missouri business requirements, here's what to do.
1. Research Franchise Opportunities
Do some market research to learn what franchise opportunities tend to perform best in the neighborhood or area you're eying. Consider options like food, logistics, home services and fitness if you aren't sure what type of franchise you want to launch.
Research neighborhoods like Overland Park, Lee’s Summit or North Kansas City to identify where your ideal customers live and work.
2. Review Franchise Costs and Requirements
Make sure you understand the costs of franchise ownership. Read documents like your Franchise Disclosure Document carefully to understand franchise fees, royalties and territory limits, and think about costs beyond immediate fees. What will a lease, staffing, insurance and marketing cost you, for example? These are generally lower in Kansas City than in coastal hubs, but they're still very real and ongoing expenses.
3. Secure Financing
Explore options for funding your initial launch. The Small Business Administration offers several loan types that can be used for franchise start-ups, and you might also work with local lenders like Commerce Bank to access small-business lending programs. Take some time to explore the Missouri Department of Economic Development's online resources and look for other information about business grants in the state.
4. Register Your Business in Missouri
Register your business entity with the Missouri Secretary of State’s office and obtain a Missouri tax ID number. Apply for any local permits or business licenses required. Working with an accountant or lawyer on this step may be helpful.
5. Launch and Market Locally
Host a grand opening or other community event to introduce your franchise to local customers. Start marketing your business digitally on Facebook and other relevant networks before your doors officially open to ensure people know about your business early.
Find Your Franchise in Kansas City Today
Whether you want to launch a new food service business or have a desire to bring wellness products to the people of K.C., a franchise may be the way to go. Browse franchise opportunities in Kansas City today.