Our Mission
Vision – Highlight innovative and creative retail businesses in a collaborative gathering space where passionate entrepreneurs come together, connect with the public, share their ideas, and grow their businesses.
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, freestanding, successful business owners through participation in the retail incubator program.
History of Sharp End
"Sharp End" in Columbia, Missouri, was a historic African American district that thrived during the mid-20th century. It was a vibrant hub of Black culture and entrepreneurship, featuring numerous businesses, jazz clubs, and community gathering spaces. Sharp End served as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black community in the face of racial segregation. Though it was eventually displaced by urban renewal projects in the 1950s and 1960s, its legacy remains an integral part of Columbia's history, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the local African American community.