GUIDE: LOANS, GRANTS AND EQUITY FUNDING > PART ELEVEN

Competitive Grants

Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Trasfer (STTR) grants fund research and development efforts of a high risk nature that may have excellent commercial potential.

Small U.S. businesses are eligible to participate in the SBIR/STTR program if they are for-profit and have 500 or fewer employees. Nonprofit organizations are not eligible.

 

Arch Grants Business Competition

Arch Grants offers startups funding in the form of grants and supports the startups as they remain or transition to downtown St. Louis through the Arch Grants Business Plan Competition.

Winners receive $50,000 in funding. After receiving an initial Arch Grant, startups have the opportunity to secure a second round of up to $100,000 in funding along with direct access to St. Louis-based angel investors.

To provide winners with the best chance of success, Arch Grants partners with comparable economic development endeavors in St. Louis that currently support business growth in the city including Innovation Venture Mentoring Service, St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association, Regional Business Council, Washington University, St. Louis University, University of Missouri at St. Louis, Webster University, and Harris Stowe University.

Find out more at Arch Grants.

 

STL Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Accelerator

The STL Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Accelerator Powered by UMSL Accelerate provides $50,000 equity free cash awards to founders accepted into the 8-week program. In addition to various other business support and perks, startups will have the opportunity to participate in a demo day where they will pitch their company to the St. Louis startup ecosystem for further support and possible funding.

Learn more at UMSL Accelerate.

GUIDE: LOANS, GRANTS AND EQUITY FUNDING

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