Beyond the Divide

08/27/2026

It's official! Beyond the Divide is moving toward a new chapter — and we’re asking the community to help us build what comes next.

Beyond the Divide showed what was possible when small business, placemaking, public art, history, and community investment came together on West 9th Street. Generating $100,000 in sales from 15+ small businesses to revitalizing a historical area. Now, we’re working to turn that momentum into a more sustainable, long-term model.

We are launching a $10,000 community planning and development fundraising campaign to support the initial planning work needed to move Phase 2 forward, including a feasibility report, documenting the impact of Phase 1, developing the next program model, engaging partners, and preparing the proposals and materials needed to pursue larger funding opportunities.

Our larger goal is to pursue approximately $250,000 - $500,000 in grants, foundation support, corporate partnerships, and other institutional funding for the first full year of Phase 2. These funds will help support a full project staff, events, cohort management, and district updates to create a more comfortable experience for guests and small businesses.

But before we can compete for that larger investment, we need the resources to do the work that gets us there.

If you believe in what Beyond the Divide started and want to help us take the next step, we’d be grateful for your support. Every contribution helps demonstrate community backing and gives us the foundation for more investment in West 9th Street, local entrepreneurs, and the surrounding community.

If you'd prefer other means of support like a check, then please email our team at [email protected]

studioMAIN is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. All donations may be tax-deductible, and a receipt will be provided.

Help StudioMain reach their goal by donating or sharing with your friends.

08/04/2026

It’s been a little while since we’ve shared an update on Beyond the Divide, but the work continues behind the scenes. We want to share a preview of our project summary report!

From April through July, participating businesses generated nearly $100,000 in documented gross sales through The Line on 9. Beyond the Divide succeeded in demonstrating market demand and commercial activity, while also revealing the support businesses would need to become more consistent and sustainable on W 9th Street in downtown Little Rock.

That number is especially meaningful because this was a temporary demonstration—not a fully funded business incubator. Our entrepreneurs operated without the complete package of business coaching, financial literacy, coordinated marketing, reliable infrastructure, and long-term preparation that a project like this truly demands.

Even with those limitations, the project created real commercial activity, introduced customers to local businesses, and showed what is possible when entrepreneurship, culture, history, public art, and placemaking come together on West 9th Street.

Our team is now developing a feasibility report and impact assessment to better understand what worked, where support was missing, and what it would take to continue Beyond the Divide in a stronger and more sustainable way. We hope to release this publicly!

Imagine what these entrepreneurs could accomplish with the proper preparation, resources, and long-term investment.

Thank you to every business owner, partner, sponsor, volunteer, and community member who helped bring this vision to life. We are continuing to pursue funding, partnerships, and future opportunities so that Beyond the Divide can come back bigger and better! Until next time

07/08/2026

A huge thank you to Josh Nguyen and The Venture Center for hosting studioMAIN's Beyond the Divide entrepreneurs!

Beyond the Divide is a community revitalization project located along West 9th Street in downtown Little Rock. At the heart of the project is a small-business district featuring entrepreneurs at different stages of their journeys.

While Beyond the Divide began as an experimental project, one of its primary goals has always been to create low-risk opportunities for small-business owners to test ideas, build confidence, and work toward permanent brick-and-mortar locations—all while helping bring new energy and activity to downtown Little Rock.

The Venture Center and its network of resources could be a natural next step for our Beyond the Divide “graduates.” We are excited to see where these new connections and opportunities may lead!

07/08/2026

We still have more for you!
Today we feature In-Touch Fragrances

Founded in 2023 by James and Maria Aikens, IN-TOUCH FRAGRANCES LLC is dedicated to redefining the personal skincare experience through creativity, customization, and quality. Our mission is to provide high-quality, unique, and affordable fragranced and non-fragranced skincare products that are crafted on demand—either in front of our customers or through our online platform.

Question: "What sets your business apart?"

"What sets IN-TOUCH FRAGRANCES apart is our commitment to personalization. Unlike traditional brands that rely on pre-packaged products, we create each item based on the customer’s individual preferences. From scent selection to formulation, every product is made to order, ensuring a one-of-a-kind experience that reflects the customer’s personal style and needs.

At IN-TOUCH FRAGRANCES, we believe that self-care should be both meaningful and memorable. Our hands-on approach allows customers to be part of the creation process, leaving them not only with a product they love but also with an inspired and satisfying experience. Simply put—you get the exact fragranced product you want, made just for you."

Thank you to In-Touch Fragrances for bringing something unique to Beyond the Divide! Please be sure to follow them so that you'll know where they'll be next!

07/03/2026

Come by Bag It Up Boutique !!!

🎉 Happy Friday, Dolls! 🎉

Today is the day! Come shop with us at Beyond the Divide Black Business District for our LAST DATE at this location! 💚🩷

We'll be open 12 PM – 7 PM, and the party kicks off at 2 PM! 🎶

✨ Shop with 20+ amazing Black-owned businesses
🍔 Delicious food vendors
🎧 Vibes by DJ Ally Lynn
🛍️ Unique shopping
💛 Great people, great energy, and lots of fun!

Let's make today one to remember! Come out, support local, and celebrate with us. We can't wait to see all of our Dolls! 🫶🏾

📍 Beyond the Divide Black Business District
724 W. 9th Street
Little Rock, AR

See you soon! 💕

07/03/2026

We have some of the best entrepreneurs you could hope for, and today's spotlight is one of them! Our Business Spotlight features the multi-talented SeanFresh West

Fresh University was founded during the summer of 2020. For the founder, Sean Fresh, that year was marked by depression, anxiety, creativity, dreams and ambition. It was that unique infusion of emotions in which Fresh University's motto of "Life Is The Greatest Teacher" was born. We are all students of life. If we continue to push, continue to fight. continue to dream and work, we will convert from student to teacher.

Fresh University is more than a clothing brand packed with sharp designs and timeless looks, it is a lifestyle.

Question: "What does being apart of Beyond the Divide mean to you?"

Sean: "Being a part of Beyond the Divide means more to me than simply representing Fresh University—it means honoring a legacy.

As the owner of Fresh University, I understand that 9th Street was once home to hundreds of thriving Black-owned businesses, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who built opportunities despite the challenges they faced. Their vision, resilience, and commitment to community laid the foundation for future generations like mine.

Beyond the Divide shines a light on the Black entrepreneurs who continue that legacy today. Being included in this project is a reminder that our businesses are connected to a much larger story—one of perseverance, creativity, ownership, and economic empowerment. It allows us to celebrate where we’ve come from while inspiring where we’re going.

For Fresh University, it’s an opportunity to show that Black excellence is not just history—it’s present. Every product we create, every customer we serve, and every young person we inspire is our way of carrying the torch forward.

To be featured in Beyond the Divide is an honor because it recognizes that we are not only building businesses; we are helping write the next chapter of 9th Street’s story."

Our team at Beyond the Divide truly appreciates Sean for bringing his many talents through fashion, music, and more to our district. Please give him a follow and continue to keep up with his journey!

07/03/2026

COME THRU!!!! ONE LAST PLATE STARTING EARLY TODAY!