Cailey Blackmer, a sophomore plant sciences major from O'Fallon, Missouri, is founder of the Green Society store. She offers a wide selection of houseplants and plant advice for customers who want to become plant parents.
Houseplants, sneakers, custom buttons and products tailored for women are among the items available this academic year at the new student-run storefronts now open in the MU Student Center. This annual brick-and-mortar experience is provided by the Griggs Innovators Nexus, Missouri Student Unions and U.S. Bank and offers enterprising Tigers a chance to showcase their innovative products and gain mentorship. Each Tiger merchant receives $2,000 for startup costs, a credit card reader and an iPad to manage sales. This year’s businesses are:
- Buttons byTaylor
- Columbia Sneaker Exchange
- Green Society
- Iconic Society
This entrepreneurial experience is not confined to brick-and-mortar spaces alone. Two additional student businesses have been awarded incubator offices — a space that supports the development of various entrepreneurial activities that don’t need a physical retail presence. They are:
- Fisch Flips
- Z1kickz
“The funding covers many startup costs which can be a barrier to launching a business for students,” said Kelly Mattas, a senior program/project coordinator in MU's Division of Research, Innovation & Impact. “These students provide inspiration for all Mizzou Tigers that their business vision can become a reality.”
Learn more about the retailers on the Show Me Mizzou website.