STL in the NYT | Schnucks Supports Startups | Kingshighway Gets a Boost
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New York Times: “A Symbol of Hope in St. Louis Is Now One of Renewal, Too”
The New York Times wrote this week that when St. Louis’ Old Courthouse reopens on May 3 after a $27.5 million renovation, it will serve as a reminder of both hope and renewal. The 163-year-old building, which originally opened in 1862, has served as a turning point for significant moments in U.S. history, and its renovation offers a reflection of the nation’s past and a bridge to St. Louis’ future.
The project is the last phase of the CityArchRiver Project, the $380 million public-private partnership that funded the renovations of the Gateway Arch National Park and the Museum at the Gateway Arch, which have helped better connect the national monument with Downtown St. Louis. The Old Courthouse renovation expands that connection, serving as yet another touchpoint to bring visitors Downtown — and a world-class reason to turn eyes toward St. Louis.
The Bottom Line: “Downtown must succeed for St. Louis to succeed, and this reopening is part of that,” said Ryan McClure, Executive Director, Gateway Arch Park Foundation, a GSL Investor Council member. “There’s concerted efforts by lots of civic organizations in ways that I don’t think we’ve seen in generations, to bring back the core of our city.”
From the Ground Up: Schnucks Launches Local Startups onto Store Shelves
An inaugural program from Schnuck Markets, Inc. — an executive-level GSL investor — helps local founders find their footing. Schnucks Springboard Diverse-Owned Business Accelerator last year named its first cohort, a group of 10 local startups chosen for their business stability, incremental sales opportunity, strategic vision, and corporate responsibility. Those chosen have spent the last seven months taking business development classes at Schnucks headquarters. Now, they’ll head into the real world: a four-week, in-store product trial at 15 select Schnucks stores.
The Bottom Line: By championing small businesses and entrepreneurs, anchor companies like Schnucks can have an outsized impact on the region’s economy. It’s a win-win: Schnucks cultivates potential new brands for its store shelves, while small businesses gain the skills they need to compete at a high level.
“Schnucks is a nationally recognized top grocery chain. If you’re prepared to go in Schnucks, you’re prepared for success in other locations,” said Sylvester Chisom, co-founder of Schnucks Springboard participant Show Me the World.
How One Family Company Is Reshaping a South City Corridor
A drive down South Kingshighway Boulevard reveals visible transformation. New businesses, restaurants, and redeveloped apartments line a two-block stretch on the west side of the street, big changes driven by Garcia Properties, a family-owned company that’s investing heavily in the area. Garcia Properties — which employs around 80 people, as well as about 40 contractors — includes a diversified set of proficiencies, from property management to construction and development, which has helped them make big change happen.
The Bottom Line: Local business owners can affect local economic growth. The Garcia family saw the potential along the South Kingshighway corridor and, through authenticity, tenacity, and vision, are paving the way for its renewal. And people are noticing: “It’s the community’s support of those operating businesses that have then allowed us to take some money that we do make and take on these real estate development projects,” said Berto Garcia.
WashU Venture Network Helps Keep Startups in St. Louis
Three Arch Grants winners have each received $50,000 in follow-on funding from a new Washington University effort that aims to support startups with a high chance of remaining and growing in St. Louis. AirSeal, uFab, and WingXpand are examples of “visionary entrepreneurs and exceptional talents here in St. Louis.”
Expanding agtech companies increasingly find St. Louis ideal for scaling up, thanks to the support and connections they find here. Innovation districts like 39 North and Cortex, alongside the Danforth Plant Science Center, play a big role in what one scientist called “a good home base” for startups.
Greater St. Louis, Inc. led a delegation of investors and local business leaders to Jefferson City for our annual Day at the Missouri Capitol. The delegation heard from Attorney General Andrew Bailey and Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger, then met with elected officials to discuss policy priorities. Watch a recap.
In April 2024, Shu Schiller, Ph.D., assumed her role as Dean of the College of Business Administration at UMSL, a position that tasks her with developing the region’s future workforce, while at the same time, figuring out what that future will look like.
