Michael Barrera had some advice for those who want take advantage of the special sports
activity in the Kansas City Area.
Barrera, the District Director of the Kansas City Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration,
advised business leaders to be prepared. Estimates from the City of Kansas, Mo., indicate that
the National Football League Draft and the World Cup soccer matches will bring $100 million
each into the Greater Kansas City economy.
Barrera spoke to a luncheon meeting of the Congressional Forum on Friday, March 17 at
Children’s Mercy Park. About 50 persons attended. Most were members of the Kansas City,
Kansas, Area Chamber of Commerce.
Barrera said those in the hotel and food and drink business will be in a particularly good
position to take advantage of the influx of visitors. It will be important for such businesses to
work with their suppliers to have adequate stock. Food trucks need to assure that they have
good locations. Areas such as Central Avenue need to prepare for increased sales.
The NFL draft will be from Thursday, April 27 through Saturday, April 29; the World Cup will be
here in 2026.
In other matters, Barrera encouraged small business owners to become certified contractors to
do business with the federal government. He also told of various loan programs that the SBA
has I cooperation with area banks.
The Kansas City SBA District includes Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri. Barrera was
appointed to his present position in 2021. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in
communication and political science from Kansas State University, Manhattan, and a law
degree from the University of Texas, Austin.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the
Recording Secretary for Business West.