Once a bustling business district from the early 1900s to the 1960s, The Shops at Sharp End, located in Columbia, Missouri, stood as a cornerstone of the Black community. This vibrant hub encompassed high-end shopping, barber shops, and restaurants, becoming a cherished one-stop destination for Black residents. However, urban renewal efforts in the 1960s brought a wave of demolition that shuttered businesses in Sharp End, along with the economic vitality that had defined it for decades.
Comprehensive Support for Business Success
Ten years ago, the city forged a pivotal partnership with the Sharp End Heritage Committee, marking the beginning of a multiyear investment strategy aimed at preserving and revitalizing this historic district. Today, under the leadership of director Jayme Prenger, The Missouri Women’s Business Center (MOWBC) joined forces with the City of Columbia’s Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI), and the Downtown Community Improvement District to develop The Shops at Sharp End. This collaborative effort seeks not only to restore the historic district to its former glory but also to foster a diverse resurgence of local entrepreneurship.
With the support of MOWBC, The Shops at Sharp End aids entrepreneurs by providing workshops, coaching, and affordable retail space at The Shops for just $50 per month — a rare opportunity in downtown areas where rental costs are typically prohibitive. Understanding the financial challenges new businesses face, The Shops at Sharp End also offers entrepreneurship support and scholarships to ensure accessibility with the goal of fostering a thriving community of diverse entrepreneurs, providing them with the resources and support needed to succeed and grow.
The Shops has since received recognition by the Trade and Industry Development through its esteemed Corporate Investment and Community Impact Award. No small feat, the CiCi Award recognizes projects from across the United States that contribute to economic growth while fostering community development and cultural enrichment. The award highlights organizations that serve as catalysts for progress, enhancing the quality of life for residents and leaving a lasting positive legacy in the areas they serve.
Accelerating Columbia’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
MOWBC distinguishes itself by offering accessible resources, comprehensive programming, and holistic business coaching aimed at strengthening the viability and vitality of a business. Most services are provided at no cost to their clients. With the support of funding from NLC’s City Inclusive Entrepreneurship grant, through the lens of the Ecosystem Accelerator commitment, MOWBC hosted a Retail Pitch Competition aimed at bolstering women and minority-owned small businesses in Columbia that are five years old or younger. This initiative allocated $10,000 to be distributed among five deserving finalists. Each finalist received personalized one-on-one coaching sessions with MOWBC staff, ensuring they were well-prepared and confident in presenting their business ideas.
This unique opportunity garnered significant backing from Columbia’s mayor, county commissioner, and fellow nonprofit Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO) judges, underscoring the commitment to fostering inclusive entrepreneurship. The event not only provided financial support but also crucial mentorship, empowering these entrepreneurs to thrive and contribute to the local economy.
“The Missouri Women’s Business Center partnered with the City of Columbia to make this commitment with the National League of Cities, CIE Program because of who we are and what we stand for. Women, in general, are one of the fastest-growing small business sectors over the course of the last five years. MOWBC is the only organization in the city that focuses on women and minorities. Partnering with the city made sense to have the platform to give this sector of entrepreneurs a voice.” – Jayme Prenger
As an ESO, and as a program of Central Missouri Community Action, MOWBC is committed to dismantling barriers to entrepreneurship and promoting entrepreneurial success, particularly among women-owned, minority-owned, and low-to-moderate income-based businesses. Operating across 8 counties in the state, MOWBC supports entrepreneurs throughout their journey — from initial planning and startup phases to sustainable growth and scalability.
Key Insights from the Field
- Representation Matters: Ensuring buy-in was a key part of MOWBC’s strategy, which involved prioritizing representation — specifically, ensuring multiple people of color were present. This approach needed to be deliberate and strategic. It was crucial to empower the voices of a diverse group of entrepreneurs, giving them a platform to influence decisions and shape outcomes effectively. This inclusive approach not only fosters genuine collaboration but also ensures that diverse perspectives are heard and valued in every aspect of the process.
- Shape the Narrative: MOWBC worked diligently to steer the narratives of entrepreneurs, emphasizing their products over their race, while still honoring the inherent racial significance of The Shops at Sharp End. It was important to showcase the quality and uniqueness of their offerings, ensuring that their entrepreneurial journey and achievements took center stage. At the same time, we respected and acknowledged the historical and cultural context of The Sharp End community, recognizing the role of race in shaping its identity and legacy. Balancing these aspects allowed us to celebrate diversity while promoting entrepreneurship based on merit and innovation.
- Develop a Strong Foundation of Support: MOWBC plays a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs by guiding them through the essential steps of gaining licensure, registration, tax compliance, and maintaining accountability as business owners. Their comprehensive support extends to include financial literacy education, seamlessly integrated into an entrepreneurial curriculum.
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