International Institute of St. Louis – Economic Development

Provides a wide variety of services to linguistically and culturally disadvantaged business owners, including business loans for immigrants and refugees, a credit building loan, among other services.

About

Founded in 2007, the IICDC is a 501(c)(3) wholly owned subsidiary of the International Institute of St. Louis. The IICDC is a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) of the US Dept. of the Treasury. We collaborate with other CDFIs and community organizations to connect our customers with a broad spectrum of business development services.

The IICDC shares the STL Mosaic Project’s vision of growing our region’s economy through diversity and innovation. We partner with four local banks plus the federal government to capitalize our loan fund.

Our loan products are designed with small business entrepreneurs in mind: The bulk of our loans go to restaurant owners, taxi and Uber drivers, small retail business owners, beauty salon operators, daycare providers, and those operating similar enterprises.

IICDC line of credit lenders are Carrolton bank, Midwest bank, PNC Bank.

Immigrant & Refugee Products

 

  • Business Microloans
  • Business Riba Free Loans
  • Consumer Credit Builder Loans
  • Immigration Loans
  • ASSET Program
  • Financial Literacy Classes
  • Tax Clinic
  • Free tax preparation during tax season only (Feb. – April)

Services Provided

Business Planning

  • Business Plan Consulting, Development and Review
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Market Plan Development
  • Market Research
  • Forming a Business

Management Issues

  • Human Resources
  • Leadership/Professional Development

Financial Resources and Assistance

  • Obtaining Debt Funding
  • Obtaining Equity Funding
  • Loan Providers (Specialty)

Legal Services

  • Forming a Business

Marketing/Sales

  • Market Plan Development and Training

Selling to the Government and Large Corporations

  • Government and Military Specifications

Regulatory Compliance

  • Government Requirements
  • Registration, licenses and permits

Starting a Business

  • Startup Business Counseling
  • Startup Classes
  • Registration, Licenses and Permits
  • Forming a Business

Mentoring

  • One-on-One Counseling
Contact Information
Carlos Suarez
Fax
(314) 773-2279