The National Urban League’s Center of Entrepreneurship in St. Louis is accepting applications for the U.S. Minority Business Development Agency’s Small Business Capital Readiness Program.
Selected as one of three affiliates nationally, St. Louis joins Cincinnati and Los Angeles in the initiative launched by the Biden-Harris Administration to increase underserved entrepreneurs’ access to capital.
The Commerce Department investment will assist businesses in securing funding, with financial support from the $10 billion State Small Business Credit Initiative.
Highlights include:
Access to Capital: Technical assistance for applying to funding programs and facilitating investor connections.
Access to Networks: Linking entrepreneurs with mentors, coaches, and peers to navigate challenges.
Capacity Building: Offering technical support to develop scalable businesses, with a focus on disadvantaged individuals.
Program goals are to:
Serve minority, women, and underserved populations in St. Louis.
Help entrepreneurs enhance their business capacity.
Provide access to capital opportunities and networks.
Michael McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president, said the program can help support local entrepreneurs and foster economic growth.
Aleta Grimes Mitchell, Center for Entrepreneurship director, emphasized that the program will play a role in empowering small business owners to expand and innovate.
To apply, visit the Urban League website www.ulstl.comor contact the Center for Entrepreneurship at entrepreneurship@urbanleague-stl.org. Applications are open to businesses established in Missouri for at least one year.
Looking for funds to remodel my business and to purchase up to date equipment.