Arch Grants is growing again — this time in both size and impact. The nonprofit recently unveiled its expanded Downtown West headquarters, launched a new lending program and announced its latest class of startup grant recipients, underscoring its widening role in fueling St. Louis’ entrepreneurial economy.
A celebration last week marked the opening of the organization’s new headquarters, known as HQ2, and launch of the new lending program created in partnership with the James S. McDonnell Foundation and the St. Louis Community Credit Union. The new facility expands space for Arch Grants-supported entrepreneurs to work, collaborate and host events, serving as civic infrastructure to connect business owners, investors and community partners.
“This is a milestone moment for Arch Grants,” said Gabe Angieri, Arch Grants executive director. “Our expanded headquarters and this new lending program represent an exciting next step in our holistic approach to catalyzing startup growth.”
The new lending program aims to provide flexible loans to the organization’s entrepreneurs from historically marginalized backgrounds or those expanding in underserved parts of St. Louis City and North County.
“These entrepreneurs are usually individuals who aren’t able to get a traditional small business loan from a commercial bank,” Angieri said. “They might not have the credit history or credentials that meet a bank’s requirements. This program serves as a backstop for those startups and helps them move forward faster.”
Karl Guenther, vice president for strategy and programs at the James S. McDonnell Foundation, said the partnership aligns with the foundation’s focus on inclusive prosperity. It ensures that the entrepreneurs supported by the program can access the capital they need to grow.
“It’s a powerful example of what’s possible when philanthropy, nonprofits, and finance companies work together. It creates jobs and builds wealth that stays in our neighborhoods.”
Jason Q. Purnell, president of the McDonnell Foundation, said the collaboration “will help more local founders grow their businesses, create quality jobs, and build wealth right here in St. Louis.”
“As a community-owned financial institution, we believe that collaboration is the key to economic inclusion,” added Kirk D. Mills, president and CEO of St. Louis Community Credit Union.
Thirteen years after launching as a bold idea to attract and retain entrepreneurs in St. Louis, Arch Grants has become a major driver of the region’s innovation economy. The organization has awarded nearly $19 million in grants that don’t require recipients to give up any ownership stake — essentially free capital with no strings attached — to more than 270 startups, helping them build businesses that stay and scale in the city.
“This organization has been the future of St. Louis,” said Mayor Cara Spencer during the celebration of the expanded headquarters. “It represents the best of what this city stands for.”
Co-founder Bob Guller reflected on the organization’s evolution from concept to civic catalyst. The nonprofit’s approach centers on “non-dilutive” capital — funding that allows companies to grow without giving up ownership or investor control.
“Back then, non-dilutive capital with no strings attached was a radical idea,” he said. “But we knew it could be a powerful tool for attracting talent, building companies, and reshaping the economic destiny of St. Louis.”
Calling the new lending initiative a “bold move,” Guller said the goal is to design flexible, business-owner-friendly loans that extend the runway for Arch Grant entrepreneurs. “In St. Louis, we don’t just fund ideas — we fund the people who get them done,” he said.
The latest milestone also included the announcement of 2025 Arch Grants awardees — 19 companies and three fellows representing industries such as health and wellness, bioscience, sustainable construction, and small-business technology. Together, they received $1.5 million in non-dilutive funding.
Over its 13-year history, nearly 70% of Arch Grants recipients have been women, veterans, immigrants, or entrepreneurs of color, reinforcing the organization’s focus on equitable access to entrepreneurship. According to Arch Grants, the companies it has supported have generated more than $1.2 billion in revenue, attracted $870 million in follow-on capital, and created more than 4,000 jobs.
“This is about ensuring the next generation of St. Louis founders can grow right here,” Angieri said.