Nia Richardson

Nia Richardson was born and raised in KC, raised by entrepreneurs; Nia watched what it was like to see the ups and downs of business ownership.

She got an even closer look during college when she would work at the business and credits her parents with the educational and career opportunities she has had to date.

After graduating from Tennessee State University, Nia worked at DuBois Consultants for almost fifteen years as a Director of Business Development and Marketing. During her time there, she was responsible for identifying and compiling industry research and data that will help the company reach its short- and long-term goals. Nia assisted the engineering team with community outreach, research, and public relations on various projects. She was in charge of branding and marketing for the company.

After DuBois, Nia joined the City of Kansas City, MO, as a Managing Director of the KC Bizcare Office. Nia oversees the day-to-day operations of KC BizCare, the City’s Business Customer Service Center, a free business resource, advocacy, and information center for new and existing businesses operating within Kansas City. Established in 2009, BizCare provides guidance and assistance for businesses navigating the City’s licensing, permitting, and vendor approval processes. Her work also includes streamlining initiatives to remove barriers to entry and systemic issues that impede a business’s ability to grow in Kansas City.

One of her main goals is to create a more streamlined approach for new and existing businesses to navigate the city’s registration and permitting process through the BizCare Office. She is also working towards procurement reform to improve the City’s contracting practices and use its purchasing power to help grow and support small businesses doing business with the City of Kansas City and other local public agencies.

Her work in the community is also focused on making KC a better place, working within the city as Board Member on the Central City Economic Development Sales Tax Board. She is also a Board Member at Visit KC.

Nia’s passion for Kansas City and building a better tomorrow showcase just a few traits I know it will take to make KC the next central hub for entrepreneurship at all levels.

You can visit the KC Bizcare website to learn more.

Website: bizcare.kcmo.gov