About

The Griggs Innovators Nexus partners with the Missouri Student Unions and U.S. Bank to provide retail space that Mizzou students use to operate their own businesses inside the MU Student Center. Awarded through a competitive process, each 300-square-foot space is rent- and utility-free for one year. Entrepreneurs can paint the space and add other custom-design elements to attract customers and showcase products.

The selected students, who are encouraged to find a mentor, receive hands-on experience, including developing and pitching a business plan, leading a team, designing a commercial space, marketing and logistics. U.S. Bank provides each business with $2,000 for start-up costs, a Square credit card reader and an iPad to manage sales.

At the end of the year, the entrepreneurs give a presentation that covers what they learned and accomplished along with recommendations for program improvements.
 

2027 timeline

• Jan. 4
  Applications open.
   
• March 19
  Applications close.
   
• March 26
  Finalists are notified.
   
• April 14 (12:30-2:30 p.m.)
  Finalists give a seven-minute presentation followed by Q&A.
   
• April 16
  Selected students are notified and awarded business space for the next academic year.
   
• May 2027
  Students sign memorandums of understanding in preparation for fall occupancy.