Entrepreneur-Focused Porter House KC Opens A Retail Incubator In Kansas City, MO, To Support Under-Resourced Founders

A retail incubator is opening its doors to disadvantaged founders in Kansas City, MO.

Startland News reports that The Porter House KC’s 811 Retail Incubator held its grand opening on July 27, 2024.

The 811 Retail Incubator space is designed to ensure entrepreneurs will find support from the ideation phase to an establishment becoming a “fully fledged” business and aims to bridge the gap between pop-up events and permanent brick-and-mortar stores, PHKC’s website mentioned.

“Our resilience has paid off, and it’s rewarding to see this space provide what these businesses have been looking for,” said Miranda Schultz, PHKC’s programs director, according to Startland News.

According to PHKC’s website, Daniel Smith and Charon Thompson, co-founders of The Porter House KC and Kansas City natives, saw the firsthand struggles of business owners .

“We wanted to become the bridge between underrepresented businesses and their access to entrepreneurial success,” a statement on the website read.

The 811 Retail Incubator will position eight entrepreneurs for success through its programming, which will include low lease rates, short-term leases, and educational resources for “early-stage ‘main street’ retail-focused entrepreneurs.”

Per the company website, entrepreneurs will be given set hours to work in the space, designated hubs to help with brainstorming and collaboration, and a storage space.

Phase two of PHKC’s 811 Retail Incubator space involves converting the upper level of the building into a versatile area featuring a classroom, co-working spaces, meeting rooms, and an event venue capable of hosting 50-60 individuals.

The 811 Retail Incubator’s first round of business owners, expected to benefit from the space, include skincare company Someday Sunday, nail salon Weirdo Nailz, resale clothing shop Thrift the Runway, and art shop CRWND Illustrations.

“Being part of this incubator is a tremendous boost for our business. It feels like a validation of our hard work and perseverance,” Keliah Smith, founder of CRWND Illustrations, expressed, per Startland News.