HONOR THE PAST I SHOP THE FUTURE

Columbia, Missouri’s premier retail incubator hosting local start-ups in the heart of downtown.

We drive economic progress by empowering entrepreneurs with practical tools and opportunities. Our curated marketplace, strategic campaigns, and training sessions propel entrepreneurs toward unparalleled access and sustainable growth.

Meet Our Participants

  • Raw Roots

  • Black Tea Bookshop

  • Aaron Fox Writes

  • Fudge Brand

    Fudge Brand

  • Franky Karmen

    Franky Karmen

  • Designs by Neisha

    Designs by Neisha

  • City Boutique-City of Refuge

    City Boutique-City of Refuge

See More

Learn the History

The historic "Sharp End" in Columbia, Missouri, holds a significant place in the city's history as the heart of its African American business and cultural district during the segregation era. Located along Fifth Street, the Sharp End was a vibrant hub of black-owned businesses, including clubs, restaurants, barber shops, and more, serving as a vital center for the local black community's social and economic life. Despite facing systemic discrimination, the Sharp End thrived, leaving a lasting legacy of resilience and entrepreneurship in Columbia's history.