The Sharp End Entrepreneurial Development Grant (SEED Grant)  was created in the state of Missouri to support Minority/Women Business Enterprises. The name “Sharp End” comes from the area called “The Sharp End”, which was a business district in the City of Columbia for the black community from the early 1900s to 1960s. The area was demolished during urban renewal in the 1960s which dramatically removed the nucleus of this self-contained black business community. The SEED Grant was established to pay tribute to the rich history of the Sharp End Business District.

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Before a Minority/Women Business Enterprise can receive a SEED Grant, they are evaluated based on the following criteria:

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• Business Financial, Risk and Tax Management

• Marketing & Branding

• Professional Licensure

• Contribution to Economic Development

• Proposed Grant Fund Uses

• Demonstration of Need