From the early 1900s to the 1960s, the Sharp End business district was a city within a city for Columbia's black community. Stretching from Fifth to Sixth Streets on both sides of Walnut Street. Sharp End was a robust business center with black-owned restaurants, meeting halls, barber shops, bars and more.
The significance of The Shops at Sharp End extends far beyond mere bricks and mortar. It symbolizes a collective commitment to honoring the past, enriching the present, and shaping the future of Columbia, Missouri. By embracing historical preservation, fostering economic revitalization, nurturing community engagement, and promoting sustainability, this development exemplifies the intersection of heritage and progress, making it an indispensable asset to the Sharp End district and beyond.
The Shops at Sharp End is a collaborative program between @discoverthedistrict, REDI, and CMCA.
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.