Whats Next For The Shops
PARTNER FOR BETTER REPORT - Completed March of 2026
First Public Input Meeting - Thursday June 4th 4:30 pm
Stay Tuned for Our Next Public Input Meeting
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.
