Cultural Entrepreneurs from Across the Metro Begin Training to Sell at the Minnesota State Fair

The Cultural Destination Boutique launches its first business incubator training session, preparing small business owners to reach one of the largest markets in the Midwest.

The Cultural Destination Boutique has launched its inaugural training series for entrepreneurs selected from across the Twin Cities metro area. The program is designed to support small business owners seeking to sell at the Minnesota State Fair, offering a three-session curriculum focused on best practices for reaching one of the largest markets in the Midwest and the nation.

During the first session, participants practiced a one-minute business pitch, explored strategies for marketing and pricing, and drew on each other’s expertise in a collaborative learning environment. The cohort-based format encourages peer knowledge sharing alongside structured instruction.

“What makes the Cultural Destinations Boutique unique is we don’t just sell products — we offer a space where the entrepreneur and the customer engage in joy and at the same time build wealth and community.”

— Dr. Bruce Corrie, Co-Creator, Cultural Destinations

85%  of all sales revenue goes directly back to the entrepreneur — reflecting the boutique’s core commitment to wealth-building in cultural communities.

The boutique is organized into three distinct sections to serve a range of cultural products and experiences:

  Global Fashion & Jewelry 

  Global Pantry 

  Cultural Gifts 

Support for participating entrepreneurs is made possible through a network of Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) partners committed to economic equity across the region:

African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS)

African Career and Education Resources (ACER)

Hmong American Partnership (HAP)

WomenVenture

Two additional training sessions remain in the series. In the coming weeks, the Cultural Destination Boutique will feature profiles of each participating business, highlighting the diverse entrepreneurs and products that will be represented at the fair. The boutique deeply appreciates the support of the Minnesota State Fair and its placement within the International Bazaar.

About the Cultural Destination Boutique

The Cultural Destination Boutique is a business incubator dedicated to supporting small, culturally-rooted businesses in reaching new markets. Located within the International Bazaar at the Minnesota State Fair, the boutique provides training, mentorship, and a platform for entrepreneurs from across the metro region. Eighty-five percent of sales revenue goes directly to entrepreneurs, made possible through partnerships with leading CDFI organizations across the Twin Cities.

For more information contact corrie@culturaldestinations.org