Rebel Marketplace is changing the way community members in Aurora, Colorado access locally grown, fresh produce. By making their market accessible and affordable, they are committed to building their community from the ground up through “genuine collaboration, not dependency.” Rebel Marketplace serves to empower their community to invest in local businesses.
Their farmer’s market is made up of a diverse array of local artisans, community growers, and vendors and aims to encourage community members to invest in themselves and local businesses instead of being dependent on big businesses, nonprofits, and government support.
Get to know this partner of Big Green and the founder of Urban Symbiosis and Rebel Marketplace, James Grevious!
What inspired the idea of a farmers market?
JG: We started this market out of pure ignorance! We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. At the time, Rebels In The Garden was heading into its third year of growing food in our backyard, and we wanted to teach the kids some business skills. We thought a small produce stand in front of the house would be a good start. To gauge interest, we posted on the “Nextdoor” app, asking if neighbors might want a small market selling fresh produce. The response was overwhelming—the app blew up with support! The neighborhood was all in, and that was the push and the signal we needed to launch Rebel Marketplace in our neighborhood park, Del Mar Park.
What do you bring to the community that did not previously exist?
JG: The community has always had food, it just hasn’t been healthy, locally grown and harvested right here in the neighborhood. Rebel Marketplace operates as a hybrid market, recognizing that our community struggles with both food access and affordability. Through our nonprofit, Urban Symbiosis, we subsidize the market in many ways, offering programs such as SNAP, Double Up, and our own Market Vouchers, our native currency, designed to fill the gap left by SNAP and Double Up.
In what ways are you looking to grow?
JG: We’re not focused on growth—we’re focused on staying right here, serving this community, and finding ways to be self-sustaining. Growth isn’t always good; what people in this community need most is consistency.
What vision do you have for the residents of the community you serve?
JG: We carry a vision rooted in the saying, “Teach a man to fish.” Our community has become deeply dependent on businesses, nonprofits, and government support. But we all know that when those three sources choose to withdraw, residents are often left holding the bag. We aim to change that reality, empowering people to do for themselves, support local businesses, and build this community from the ground up through the power of its residents and genuine collaboration, not dependency.
How does the development of a farmers market support the work at Urban Symbiosis?
JG: Urban Symbiosis was created to support the farmers market and strengthen our local food system. It was founded to increase food production and support farmers growing food for the community. When we looked at our local landscape, we realized there was very little food being produced in the area. Urban Symbiosis was established to incubate, train, develop, and support both new and experienced growers helping to bring more fresh, local food not only to the market, but to our entire community.
What types of local vendors can visitors expect to engage with at Rebel Marketplace?
JG: At Rebel Marketplace, you’ll find over 30 diverse vendors offering everything from fresh, locally grown produce to delicious baked goods, artisan coffee, refreshing teas, and homemade lemonade. Our local rancher brings in premium grass-fed beef, and you can also shop unique pottery, natural health products, and so much more!
