Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market and Wells Fargo Introduce a Novel Small Business Diversity Program

Alleviating financial barriers for minority-owned businesses to participate in highly anticipated holiday shopping event

Francis Page Jr. | 10/26/2023, 2:50 a.m.
Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is joining long-time supporter Wells Fargo to announce the launch of the Small Business Diversity Program …

Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market is joining long-time supporter Wells Fargo to announce the launch of the Small Business Diversity Program for the 2023 Nutcracker Market, taking place November 9-12 at NRG Center. Now in its 43rd year, Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market has become Texas’ signature shopping event for kicking off the holiday season. The Small Business Diversity program is geared at supporting local minority-owned businesses by waiving barriers to entry, including its standard commission charge.

“Wells Fargo is thrilled to partner with the Houston Ballet Nutcracker Market to assist diverse, small businesses with participating in the 2023 Nutcracker Market,” said Desrye Morgan, Houston Ballet Trustee and Wells Fargo Securities Managing Director. “While economic challenges continue for small businesses, we understand that the financial costs for entering events like the Market can come as a heavy expense. As the Bank of Doing, we hope that this new program will serve as a gateway to open doors for more growing, diverse small businesses to participate in the Market for years to come.”

Through Wells Fargo’s support of the Houston Community College’s Open for Business program, Qué Bonito Mexican Fashion, owned by Diana Rosas, was selected to participate in this year’s Market. Qué Bonito Mexican Fashion is a Mexican clothing business providing authentic handcrafted accessories and embroidered clothing. Through its relationship with the University of Houston C. T. Bauer College of Business and the SURE℠ program, Africa On My Back, owned by Shanette Prince, and Sinless Treats, owned by Beata Lerman, were selected. Africa On My Back sells durable and lightweight Kente-print backpacks and accessories that connect buyers to African culture and heritage, while Sinless Treats offers luxurious, artisan chocolates made with the finest organic ingredients.

The iconic and beloved four-day event will host more than 270 merchants from across the country, showcasing a curated collection of unique holiday items, gourmet food, apparel, fine and fashion jewelry, accessories, home décor, gifts, toys, and more.

General Admission and Early Bird tickets for the 2023 Nutcracker Market are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Special Events tickets can be purchased by calling 713.535.3231 or visiting www.nutcrackermarket.com for more information.