Former Brazen Elevator Pitch Event Winner, Shayba Muhammad, has dug in on her winning streak to entrepreneurship to win more funding and create her own type of accelerator. She’s founded The Makers Program, where she helps local makers sell their products.

Winning the 2018 the Arts and Education Council’s stARTup Creative Competition, The Makers Program was awarded funding and support by The Arts and Education Council in partnership with the PNC Foundation to find innovative ways to improve St. Louis through the arts.

Over the course of 12 weeks artists receive training in various courses including wholesale, branding, marketing, and taxes. The program partners with local businesses and organizations including VLAA, the Regional Arts Commission, and Balsa Foundation to lead each course.

“I’m excited to introduce St. Louis to the talented Black and Latino artists in our community. The creators, innovators, and designers are almost a best kept secret of the entrepreneur ecosystem, yet they’re doing some amazing things right here in our city. The Makers Mart brings these artists and the newest products on the market in one place for the community and local retailers to meet, learn, and shop from them.” said Shayba Muhammad, founder of The Makers Program.

Next week, The Makers Program will showcase the results of their curriculum at The Makers Mart on April 7, featuring 15 Black and Latino artists selling products ranging from jewelry and clothing to pet food and stationary.

The free, pop-up style shopping event is the culmination of The Makers Program’s 12-week training program for makers of color interested in scaling their early-stage businesses.

There will be interactive workshops, food, and networking for guests to enjoy.

Get Involved

Event: The Makers Mart
When: Sunday, April 7th at 12:00pm
Where: Centene Center for the Arts | 3547 Olive Street St. Louis, MO 63103
Register here for FREE Tickets.