Ripley Main Street is officially launching the Brown & Covington Artisan Accelerator, and applications are open now for four talented artisans to join the inaugural cohort.
About Brown & Covington
Brown & Covington is a creative entrepreneurship center coming to a historic downtown building that’s sat vacant for years. It’s being reimagined as a curated marketplace where local artisans and makers can launch and grow their businesses, alongside dedicated workspace where they’ll create many of their products and workshop space for special events.
The project is also partnering with AbilityWorks to create meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities, who will work alongside featured makers, build job skills, and become part of the creative experience. And with support from Mississippi Hills, Brown & Covington will honor the area’s Chickasaw heritage and its connection to The Cut-Off across the street with a native-inspired mural and heritage-based workshops, such as basket weaving and pottery, throughout the year.
What’s In It for You
This isn’t just a place to sell your work; it’s a place to connect with the community and grow your business. Selected artisans will receive dedicated retail space to showcase and sell their products, along with marketing and promotional support to help them reach customers they couldn’t reach on their own. There are also business development workshops and mentorship built into the program, opportunities to lead classes, events, and pop-ups, and get customer insights along the way.
Maybe most importantly, artisans in the accelerator become part of a creative community, a group of makers building their businesses side by side, learning from each other as much as from the program itself.
Who We’re Looking For
Whether you’re an established maker ready to grow or a creative entrepreneur ready to take the next step, this cohort is built for you. Brown & Covington is meant to be a launchpad, not just a storefront, and the goal is to help each artisan leave the program with a stronger, more sustainable business than they started with.
How to Apply
Applications are due August 31, 2026. Apply directly at app.seemylegacy.com/community/2637/campaign/9513 to learn more and submit your application.
Know a talented artisan, maker, or creative entrepreneur who belongs in downtown Ripley? Share this with them!
