The Great River Global Market is a pilot project, developed by a coalition of community organizations and institutions that are seeking to promote diverse and inclusive local entrepreneurship in the Greater St. Cloud area.
“Our end goal is to create a permanent, indoor global marketplace in the downtown area,” says Autumn Brown, Chair of the Collaborative for a Culturally Diverse Economy, the coalition developing the market. “With such an incredible variety of European, African, South and Central American, and Asian cuisines and products already present here in St. Cloud, a global marketplace would make St. Cloud a regional destination for people seeking a vibrant, multicultural hub.”
The first pilot market will take place on July 12th as a part of the Downtown Walkabout, and will feature a range of products and food, including imported African goods, up-cycled clothing, urban wear, local art, and produce from local farms. The market will also feature a range of businesses, from more established caterers like Kalahari Foods, to start-up cooperatives and individually owned businesses.
The Collaborative for a Culturally Diverse Economy is a joint initiative of community institutions and businesses formed to enhance and promote connections for a diverse and inclusive business community. Our goal is to foster economic development and facilitate resources within the community that increase capacity and leadership opportunities for business owners and professionals from diverse backgrounds. Our vision is to promote a new business model that serves culturally diverse commerce and is economically inclusive. We recognize that diversity is essential to a thriving and vibrant economy. Our mission is to strengthen the growing regional economy of greater St. Cloud by building capacity and economic inclusion.
For information about how to join the Collaborative, or how to become a vendor in the Great River Global Market, contact CCDE Coordinator Sarah Drake at sarahdrakeart@gmail.com
Participating Community Institutions and Businesses:
The Central MN Sustainability Project
Create CommUNITY
St. Cloud NAACP
Higher Ground Church
St. Cloud State University
Small Business Development Center
Latino Economic Development Center
Casa Guadalupe
Bremer Bank
Initiative Foundation
Central MN Community Foundation
Otto Bremer Foundation
St. Cloud Subaru
The Downtown Alliance
Immigrant Economic Development
City of St. Cloud