A celebration marked the opening of Arch Grants’ newly expanded headquarters in Downtown West on Wednesday, signaling a new chapter for the nonprofit that’s become a cornerstone of St. Louis’ startup scene.
The new space, known as HQ2, is at 2315 Locust St., and opened alongside a new pilot lending program in partnership with the James S. McDonnell Foundation.
Thirteen years after launching as a bold idea to attract and retain entrepreneurs in St. Louis, Arch Grants has grown into a major driver of the region’s innovation economy. The organization has funded more than 270 companies and deployed roughly $19 million in non-dilutive grants — free capital with no strings attached — helping founders build businesses that stay and scale in the city. Its expanded headquarters and new lending program reflect Arch Grants’ evolving mission to make entrepreneurship more inclusive and sustainable.
“These entrepreneurs are usually individuals who aren’t able to get a traditional small business loan from a commercial bank,” said Gabe Angieri, executive director of Arch Grants. “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.”
The new lending initiative, made possible through a partnership with the James S. McDonnell Foundation, will serve businesses in St. Louis and North County. It targets founders from historically marginalized communities whose companies focus on job creation and local economic growth.
“This organization has been the future of St. Louis,” said Mayor Cara Spencer during the event. “It represents the best of what this city stands for.”
Arch Grants co-founder Bob Guller reflected on how far the organization has come since its launch more than a decade ago. “Back then, non-dilutive capital with no strings attached was a radical idea,” Guller 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 program a “bold move,” Guller said the goal is to design flexible, founder-friendly loans that extend the runway for entrepreneurs. “In St. Louis, we don’t just fund ideas — we fund the people who get them done,” he said.
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. “That means ensuring founders from historically excluded communities can access the capital they need to grow,” he said. “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.”
This year, Arch Grants awarded $1.5 million in grant funding to 19 companies and three Arch Grants fellows. The recipients span industries such as health and wellness, small-business tech solutions, bioscience, and sustainable construction, all in St. Louis.
Arch Grants alumni also gain ongoing support through a robust network of mentors, investors, and partners, including memberships at the St. Louis Club and Greater St. Louis Inc. Over its 13-year history, nearly 70% of Arch Grants recipients have been women, veterans, immigrants, or founders of color, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to equitable access to entrepreneurship.