Cortex's Square One

Hispanic Heritage Month is about more than recognition.

It is an opportunity to learn whose stories are part of our region, support the entrepreneurs building businesses here, discover organizations strengthening community, and create spaces where culture does not have to be left at the door.

That is what we hope Fiesta @ Cortex can be.

A place to shop.

A place to learn.

A place to dance.

A place to meet someone you didn’t know before.

And a place where the entire St. Louis community is welcome.

October 7 | 5–7:30 PM | Cortex Commons
Free. No registration required.

There is no single way to be Latino.

Across Latin America and throughout the Latino diaspora, languages, accents, traditions, music, Indigenous histories, African influences, foods, dances, and stories are remarkably diverse.

That is something we want Fiesta @ Cortex to make visible.

This year, the Colombian Society, Ecuadorian Society, Puerto Rican Society, and Panamanian Society are among the cultural organizations helping us share their countries with our region, with more community groups still to come.

If you’ve ever wanted to experience more of Latin America without leaving St. Louis, come spend the evening with us on October 7!

Cortex's SQ1 Bootcamp is officially underway, and we kicked things off with incredible energy!

This year’s cohort brings together entrepreneurs building businesses across IT, service, consumer products/manufacturing, and food.

Over the next 10 weeks, they’ll strengthen their business fundamentals, learn from industry experts, work alongside mentors, and build the tools they need to grow.

Congratulations to our entrepreneurs for making the decision to invest in themselves, their businesses, and what they are building for the St. Louis region.

We can’t wait to see where the next 10 weeks take them!

When we talk about inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship has to be part of the conversation.

A small business can create income for one family.

Then a job for someone else.

Then an opportunity for another supplier.

Then a customer for another local business.

That is how entrepreneurship becomes part of a larger economic ecosystem.

At Cortex, our entrepreneurship work is about helping more people gain access to the knowledge, relationships, resources and opportunities that allow businesses to grow.

That is why entrepreneurship is at the heart of Fiesta @ Cortex.

On October 7, our small business marketplace will allow Latino entrepreneurs to showcase what they are building while giving our community an opportunity to intentionally support them.

Fueling innovation means expanding who gets to participate in it.

When we talk about inclusive economic growth, entrepreneurship has to be part of the conversation.

A small business can create income for one family.
Then a job for someone else.
Then an opportunity for another supplier.
Then a customer for another local business.
That is how entrepreneurship becomes part of a larger economic ecosystem.

At Cortex, our entrepreneurship work is about helping more people gain access to the knowledge, relationships, resources and opportunities that allow businesses to grow.

That is why entrepreneurship is at the heart of Fiesta @ Cortex.

On October 7, our small business marketplace will give Latino entrepreneurs an opportunity to showcase what they are building while giving our community an opportunity to intentionally support them.

Fueling innovation means expanding who gets to participate in it.

Entrepreneurship is part of the Latino story in St. Louis.

From family businesses to startups, makers, consultants, creatives and service businesses, Latino entrepreneurs are creating economic opportunity across our region.

And we want more of those businesses represented at Fiesta @ Cortex.

We are currently recruiting vendors for our October 7 small business marketplace.

Participation is FREE.

We’re looking for businesses selling products, clothing, art, crafts, services and more. Please note that we are not recruiting food vendors.

Fiesta is more than a place to sell. It is an opportunity to meet new customers, build relationships and increase the visibility of businesses that are helping fuel our region’s economy.

Vendor registration: https://bit.ly/2026FIESTA

Let’s put more Latino businesses on the map.

SAVE the DATE and celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with us as we bring together culture, entrepreneurship, music, community and connection at Fiesta @ Cortex.

Wednesday, October 7
5:00–7:30 PM
Cortex Commons | 4280 Duncan Ave.
Free and open to everyone

Latino communities have helped shape the story of our region through businesses, families, neighborhoods, organizations, traditions, ideas and generations of contributions.

Come support Latino entrepreneurs. Learn about the different cultures and countries represented across our region. Connect with community organizations. Experience music and dance. And discover another part of the St. Louis story.

Save the date. Everyone is welcome.

Calling all entrepreneurs!

We still have spots available in two tracks of Cortex’s 10-week SQ1 Bootcamp:

• Consumer Product: For entrepreneurs building or selling non-food physical products
• IT/Tech: For entrepreneurs building technology-based businesses, products, or services

SQ1 Bootcamp is designed for early-stage entrepreneurs looking to strengthen their business fundamentals, receive mentorship, and build a stronger foundation for growth.

Program cost: $250. Scholarships are available.

Applications are open now: https://www.cortexstl.org/learn/entrepreneur-training/sq1-bootcamp

Know an entrepreneur who would be a great fit? Send this their way!

Congratulations to our very own FUFU n' Sauce Adjo Honsou and all of the new participants in the Greater St. Louis Inc Supplier Readiness Accelerator!!@

The Supplier Readiness Accelerator Welcomes Nine Small Businesses to the Fall 2026 Cohort Nine small business owners presented comprehensive business plans representing the culmination of the Supplier Readiness Accelerator.