The Henry W. Bloch School of Management received a $50,000 gift matched dollar-for-dollar to create a $100,000 investment supporting local businesses and higher-education pathways through the University of Missouri-Kansas City Community Entrepreneurship Program, aligning with nationwide efforts to support communities in FIFA World Cup 2026 host cities.
The program is modeled on a proven initiative at the University of Notre Dame which, supported by a $2.5 million grant from The Coca-Cola Company, partners with universities and nonprofits to help entrepreneurs launch and grow sustainable businesses in FIFA World Cup host cities.
"Being part of the UMKC program has been such a gift. The mentorship, resources and support we've received have helped us not just run our coffee cart but dream bigger. The connections we've made, the advice we've received and the encouragement along the way have reminded us that small businesses like ours matter, and that we don't have to do it alone."
The initiative provides partner organizations with a full model, including curriculum, mentoring, training, consulting and access to microgrants.
“Coca-Cola’s support allows us to empower Kansas City residents to start sustainable ventures while connecting them to educational and professional opportunities,” said Marvin Carolina Jr, director of the UMKC program. “We’re helping individuals take meaningful steps toward inclusive prosperity and community engagement.”
Launched in September 2025 through the UMKC Regnier Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Community Entrepreneurship Program provides training, mentorship and resources for early-stage entrepreneurs.
One business already seeing the impact is Bonita Café & Co., a women-owned, sister-led coffee cart founded by sisters Leslie and Marbhely Gonzalez in July 2025. With no prior background in the coffee or food industry, the pair launched the business with a vision of creating memorable coffee experiences that bring people together at weddings, corporate events and community gatherings.
The sisters joined the Community Entrepreneurship Program shortly after launching the business and quickly found support through mentorship, networking and hands-on opportunities. Carolina hired Bonita Café & Co. to serve coffee at the program's Saturday sessions, giving the entrepreneurs an opportunity to refine their operations while building visibility in the community.
"Being part of the UMKC program has been such a gift," Marbhely Gonzalez said. "The mentorship, resources and support we've received have helped us not just run our coffee cart but dream bigger. The connections we've made, the advice we've received and the encouragement along the way have reminded us that small businesses like ours matter, and that we don't have to do it alone."
Less than a year after launching, Bonita Café & Co. secured bookings with organizations including Lululemon, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House Charities and local schools. The rapid growth prompted the business to add a second coffee cart and expand its focus on corporate events.
Phase one of the Community Entrepreneurship Program ran for six consecutive Saturdays, giving participants hands-on guidance in business development. In phase two, participants were paired with the UMKC Entrepreneurship Mentor Network, a group of 60 to 70 local professionals who provide personalized advice, share industry insights and help participants navigate challenges as they advance their business ideas. Phase three brought in students from the Bloch Consulting Lab, who provided pro-bono consulting to help participants refine business plans, conduct market research and implement operational strategies.
Bloch Launchpad scholar and business student consultant Adriana Díaz Leguillú worked alongside the marketing team at Bonita Café & Co.
“We provided research on similar businesses and branding advice after hearing what they wanted their business to feel like,” Leguillú said. “We provided research on survey tools and what an inquiry form should look like; we provided posting templates and some simple ‘how to be successful on social media’ research. Overall, it was a great experience seeing a women-owned business be so successful.”
Leguillú credits the experience in helping her grow academically and professionally.
“I was able to apply what I have learned in past marketing classes,” Leguillú said. “Working in the Bloch Consulting Lab helped me develop my confidence in the marketing space, specifically with market research, photography and social media marketing. With the lab, I’ve done product photoshoots, developed logos and conducted a lot of social media and competitor research.”
With support from Coca-Cola, the World Cup and the Bloch community, the UMKC Community Entrepreneurship Program will run again this fall, continuing its mission to empower local entrepreneurs and create long-term pathways to education and opportunity.