How it Works

Program Description—Incubate retail startups in a shared space that allows them to prove their concept by selling their products and learning the necessary skills to grow their business into a viable retail operation. Programmatic aspects include workshops, training courses, coaching, peer-to-peer mentoring, and access to resources, including various funding opportunities, potential investors, scholarship opportunities, etc.

The Opportunity—Create an attractive and inviting shared space that allows retail startups to launch successfully into brick-and-mortar and e-commerce enterprises.

Program Goals and Outcomes – Enhance our entrepreneurial climate and ecosystem; retain businesses in our community; strive for 51% minority business enterprises in The Shops at Sharp End; build and accelerate growth in the retail sector; create a pipeline for retail; develop tenants for other properties downtown and throughout the region; generate additional demand for retail space; transform the pedestrian experience around passive buildings (i.e., 5th Street and Walnut Garage); create jobs in our community; and, diversify our local economy.

Participants are on a monthly tiered fee.

$50/Month - Months 0-6 with products in the space

$100/Month - Months 7-12 with products in the space

$200/Month - Months 12-24 with products in the space

The Shops at Sharp End allow pop-up businesses at different pricing levels and lengths of time.

The Deets

Thank you for your interest in joining our rotating line-up of the city’s emerging retail concepts. Experience a unique opportunity where entrepreneurs can develop and nurture new retail ideas in low-risk, supportive environments focused on learning and growth. We offer space, mentorship, and dedicated resources; you bring the essential qualities to turn your idea into a successful brick and morter business.

  • OUR MISSION.

    Reduce barriers to entry for low—to moderate-income individuals and minoritized populations who desire to start new retail enterprises by helping them become financially viable, free-standing, successful business owners through participation in the retail incubator program.

  • WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR

The Shops At Sharpen eagerly seek forward-thinking businesses eager to enhance their operations through learning, networking, and product development. Whether these businesses are striving to overcome hurdles or exploring new concepts, we prioritize those with exceptional design, active engagement, and outstanding offerings.

  • ELIGIBILITY

    New retail businesses or existing retail businesses looking to expand current facilities by more than 30%, which complements the downtown retail mix and helps strengthen the existing retail clusters. Type of businesses eligible:

    Apparel (New, Curated Reclaimed/Vintage, etc.)

    Shoes

    Home Decor and Furniture

    Books, Music, and Other Entertainment Media

    Electronics

    Bath and Body

    Art

    Prepackaged Foods

    Toys and Games

    Gift Card/Stationery

    Sporting Goods

    Spices

    Jewelry

    Ceramic/Pottery

    We retain discretion when considering stores that fall outside the above list. The Shops at Sharpend retain the discretion to turn down applicants who provide goods already being sold downtown or where no market demand is demonstrated.

  • BENEFITS.

    The Shops at Sharpend Program will provide you:

    • Free Business Coaching from REDI and Missouri Women’s Business Center.

    • A lease at a retail incubator location with tiered rent 

    • A customized mentorship team and classes to support during the business startup and evolution phases 

    • Granting opportunities

    • Hundreds of dollars in free professional services, such as custom vendor cards, social and website links to your products and business, and training by some of the best business owners in town.

  • ONGOING REQUIREMENTS.

    As a participant of The Shops at Sharpend, you must attend an orientation, pay your monthly dues in a timely matter, attend curated training classes, work the sales floor for at least 6 hours a month, and maintain an active business. These requirements are flexible and will be worked out with your assigned couch.

Apply Now

Apply Now

Ready to take the next step for your business?