The Trio Foundation of St. Louis has awarded Legal Services of Eastern Missouri’s Community Economic Development-Microenterprise Program a $25,000 grant.
The second-year grant will provide legal assistance to approximately 25 women entrepreneurs in disadvantaged communities.
Services include full legal representation to help clients start or stabilize small businesses, establish strong legal foundations and overcome barriers limiting access to capital and growth opportunities.
The program has assisted 954 businesses and entrepreneurs across Legal Services’ 21-county service area. In addition to direct legal assistance, it has reached 7,666 people through outreach events providing entrepreneurs with legal knowledge to navigate business challenges.
“By removing legal barriers, we help our female clients achieve stability, growth and long-term economic empowerment,” said Marlene Elliott, managing attorney of the Legal Services Microenterprise Program. “We are grateful for this investment, which aligns with the Trio Foundation’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment.”
The Trio Foundation of St. Louis is a family foundation focused on community enhancement, human potential and ecological well-being, with an emphasis on equitable access and racial equity. Current funding priorities include women’s economic empowerment, the arts and the environment.
By strengthening women-owned startups and small businesses, the program supports local economic development, job creation and long-term community stability.