A panoramic view of downtown Kansas City under a clear sky with modern skyscrapers rising above dense green trees, and a commercial plaza with small business storefronts and parked cars in the foreground, representing suburban business growth and real estate opportunity.

Kansas City Small Business Opportunities | Best City to Start in 2025

August 18, 20254 min read

Start Smart: Why Kansas City Is One of the Best Cities for Entrepreneurs in 2025

A City of Grit, Growth, and Great Business Potential

What do smart entrepreneurs, fast-growing businesses, and affordable cities have in common? They’re all converging in Kansas City.

Whether you're a seller wondering how the market is evolving or a buyer thinking about planting roots in a booming business hub, here’s the truth: Kansas City real estate is riding a wave of economic energy fueled by entrepreneurship.

With a growing startup scene, low cost of entry, and a suburban ecosystem primed for development, Kansas City has become one of the best cities to start a business in 2025.

“I’ve helped sellers cash out commercial properties to local startups. This city rewards action.” Jason DeLong

About Jason

What Are Kansas City Small Business Opportunities?

When we talk about Kansas City small business opportunities, we’re talking about a fertile ecosystem of:

  • Affordable commercial real estate

  • Access to funding through KCSourceLink, LaunchKC, and the Missouri Innovation Center

  • Strategic location at the heart of the U.S. supply chain

  • An expanding base of remote workers, hybrid teams, and digital entrepreneurs

Kansas City real estate plays a huge role in this. From downtown loft conversions to suburban retail strip builds, entrepreneurs are creating everything from coffee shops to tech co-ops.

And suburban growth is accelerating it. In areas like Overland Park and Lenexa, suburban business growth in Kansas City is being shaped by mixed-use developments that blend storefronts with housing and walkable amenities.

Example? A recent client bought a storefront in Liberty to launch her boutique bakery after relocating from LA. Why? “It felt like I could breathe here,” she said. Lower overhead. More visibility. Loyal local customers.

What Sellers and Business-Minded Buyers Should Know

👛 1. Commercial Real Estate is Still Undervalued

While coastal cities are overpriced and oversaturated, Kansas City real estate still offers:

  • Lower price per sq ft in both urban and suburban zones

  • Room for appreciation as demand grows

  • New mixed-use developments KC-wide opening fresh inventory

View Our Featured Listings

2. Suburbs = The New Entrepreneurial Frontier

Suburbs like Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City, and Overland Park are experiencing a boom in commercial space:

  • New strip centers and small office parks

  • Zoning that supports hybrid use

  • Affordable leases for first-time business owners

This KC suburban commercial development is perfect for:

  • Family-run restaurants

  • Boutique gyms and salons

  • Remote-first companies building physical culture hubs

Explore Neighborhood Spotlights

🏛️ 3. Resources Make It Easier Than Ever

Whether you’re scaling or just starting out, Kansas City small business resources are everywhere:

  • KC BizCare (permits & startup guidance)

  • LaunchKC (grants and funding)

  • Kauffman Foundation (entrepreneurship education)

Want to know what your commercial property is worth or what’s hot for investment? Get a Value Estimate

📊 4. Residential Growth Is Feeding Business Demand

As suburban neighborhoods fill with new residents, the need for local service providers increases. That’s what’s behind the Kansas City economic growth 2025 projection. More homes = more foot traffic = more opportunity.

Smart sellers are repositioning their properties to take advantage of that trend.

Schedule a Strategy Call

Don’t Wait on the Coasts, Build in the Heartland

Kansas City is no longer a “maybe someday” city. It’s happening right now.

If you're a seller sitting on a great location or a buyer looking to launch something meaningful, Kansas City real estate is your launchpad.

With decades of experience flipping, building, and selling homes (and commercial spaces), I offer sellers real options not just more stress.

As an A.I. Certified Agent™, I use smart tools to identify the best moves for business-minded clients.

Let’s find out where your vision fits into Kansas City’s future.

Try Our Mortgage Calculator or Book a Consultation Today

FAQs About Starting a Business in Kansas City

What business should I start in Kansas City?
Startups in food, wellness, tech, and real estate services are thriving. Service-based and community-first businesses do very well in both city and suburbs.

Is Kansas City a good place to start a business?
Absolutely. KC ranks nationally among the top for startup viability due to cost of living, location, and supportive programs.

What is the most successful small business to start?
Local favorites include coffee shops, dog grooming, home service providers, and personal training studios especially in growing suburbs.

What is the main business in Kansas City?
KC’s economy is strong in logistics, healthcare, tech, real estate, and entrepreneurial startups. Each has seen growth heading into 2025.

FAQs About Jason DeLong and Heartland Homes KC

Who is Jason DeLong and Heartland Homes KC?
Jason DeLong is an A.I. Certified Realtor™ and founder of Heartland Homes KC, backed by decades of real estate sales, development, and investment experience.

Do you work with sellers who want to avoid traditional listings?
Yes. I specialize in creative selling whether it’s a commercial leaseback, equity extraction, or investor acquisition.

What areas do you serve in Kansas City and beyond?
Everywhere from Parkville and Lee’s Summit to Lenexa, Overland Park, and the KC urban core.

Hey, I'm Jason DeLong, a seasoned real estate professional with experience helping homeowners sell with ease and control. As a trusted local authority, I specialize in innovative, hassle-free selling solutions, including CashOffers+, Fix It and List It, a program to flip your own home with ease, Trade-In Buy First, Sell & Stay, and my signature List with a Twist strategy. I understand firsthand the incredible benefits our programs provide over the traditional list-and-sell approach. Whether you want to access cash while staying in your home or make a seamless move to your next one, I’m here to make your selling journey stress-free and rewarding!  My clients Value my straightforward approach to resolving their real estate challenges and the seamless transactions I deliver.

Jason DeLong

Hey, I'm Jason DeLong, a seasoned real estate professional with experience helping homeowners sell with ease and control. As a trusted local authority, I specialize in innovative, hassle-free selling solutions, including CashOffers+, Fix It and List It, a program to flip your own home with ease, Trade-In Buy First, Sell & Stay, and my signature List with a Twist strategy. I understand firsthand the incredible benefits our programs provide over the traditional list-and-sell approach. Whether you want to access cash while staying in your home or make a seamless move to your next one, I’m here to make your selling journey stress-free and rewarding! My clients Value my straightforward approach to resolving their real estate challenges and the seamless transactions I deliver.

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