This Week: Post-Dispatch: Downtown Isn’t Just Another Competing Interest, Arch Grants Awards Funding to Startups, and More
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Editor's Note: This week, we’re bringing you the GSL newsletter a little early in anticipation of the upcoming holiday. This Thanksgiving and throughout the year, we’re thankful for you, our investors and supporters, who work tirelessly to drive our metro forward and advance inclusive economic growth for all. We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and a joyful holiday weekend.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Downtown Isn’t Just Another Competing Interest
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board this weekend wrote in support of St. Louis City Aldermanic Board Bill 131, which would inject a significant portion of the Rams settlement into the revitalization of disinvested neighborhoods in North and Southeast St. Louis and in Downtown. Greater St. Louis, Inc. has called for swift passage of the bill, which was sponsored by Alderwoman Pam Boyd.
The Post-Dispatch editorial said that the proposal “would target about $100 million of the Rams money for Downtown revival, while spending another $130 million on infrastructure in poor north and southeast neighborhoods. That looks like a reasonable balance between bolstering the economic epicenter of the region and addressing the historic neglect of residents in the city’s most underserved areas.”
Last week, Alderwoman Pam Boyd introduced legislation — Board Bill #131 — that will ensure that critical and long-overdue investments will be made by investing a portion of the funds from the Rams settlement into disinvested neighborhoods in North and Southeast St. Louis City and Downtown. These long-overdue investments will drive inclusive economic growth for the entirety of St. Louis. Submit your support for the bill by Dec. 1.
Midwest BankCentre Sees Opportunity in Disinvested Neighborhoods
In 2021, Midwest BankCentre committed to making $200 million in incremental loans over five years to nonprofit groups, faith-based institutions, community development projects and small businesses in or benefiting historically disinvested neighborhoods. And this year, they’re already nearing their goal. The loans, said CEO Orvin Kimbrough, are decidedly not charity, and are instead making valuable contributions to the economic vitality of small businesses and community developments.
International Institute Brings Immigrants Together for First Thanksgiving
This past weekend, the International Institute of St. Louis hosted its annual First Thanksgiving event, bringing together the metro’s immigrants as they celebrate the holiday for the first time. “Thanksgiving is a uniquely American holiday, and we really want to welcome folks here by exposing folks to this American holiday with a universal tradition of giving thanks,” said Blake Hamilton, IISTL’s Senior Vice President.
Gateway Arch Park Foundation has released a Request for Proposals for the former Millennium Hotel site. Submissions are due Jan. 13, 2025. See the RFP.
Advancing Innovation: Arch Grants Awards $1.7M in Funding to 20 Startups
St. Louis nonprofit Arch Grants is investing $1.7 million in 20 innovative startups, 12 of which are already based in the St. Louis metro. Each company will receive a $75,000, equity-free grant in exchange for a commitment to operate from St. Louis for one year. Those who can expand operations in St. Louis are also eligible for up to $100,000 in nondilutive follow-on funding. From medical diagnostics to small-batch ice cream, these up-and-coming startups will diversify and expand St. Louis’ startup scene.
“Our goal is to empower entrepreneurs who are at the forefront of innovation and to help them thrive in St. Louis,” said Arch Grants Executive Director Gabe Angieri. “We believe that by supporting these entrepreneurs, we’re not just investing in individual companies – we’re investing in the future of this city. And with more than 80% of the group led by underrepresented founders, we continue to demonstrate that inclusive economic growth is our North Star."
This past weekend brought the annual Musial Awards back to Stifel Theatre in Downtown St. Louis, celebrating the year’s greatest moments of sportsmanship and those in sports who embody class and character. Produced by the St. Louis Sports Commission and the National Sportsmanship Foundation, the awards honored hometown heroes and national stars, shining a light on St. Louis as one of the best sports cities in the country. See the Musial Awards when they air across the nation on Sunday, Dec. 29, on CBS.
Dads to Doulas Gets National Recognition for Local Innovation
STLMade Dads to Doulas made national news recently for its innovative approach to prenatal support when it was highlighted on NBC. Featured earlier this year on theSTL.com, the local organization aims to equip black men and expectant fathers with the knowledge and skills to advocate for their families from pregnancy through infancy, strengthening families, reducing infant and maternal mortality rates, and serving as a model across the country.
The 2024 Love Local campaign encourages shopping at small businesses throughout the St. Louis metro. Look for the campaign — which runs through this weekend and includes paid broadcast media, social media, outdoor, and print advertising — then read a few of our STLMade stories to help inspire small business support.
