The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) has recently completed the distribution of $4.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to small businesses in St. Louis. This initiative aims to provide support to 900 small businesses in 72 out of the city’s 79 neighborhoods. The grants have primarily targeted areas that were identified by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development as lacking sufficient economic development in the past.

The President and Principal SLDC executive, Neal Richardson, highlighted that this effort was a collaborative one, emphasizing the engagement of people who traditionally don’t have access to such programs. The SLDC’s neighborhood management team ensured that the resources were made available to those in need. In order to spread awareness, ten neighborhood managers even went door-to-door and informed businesses about the grant opportunity.

To be eligible for the grants, businesses had to meet specific criteria. They needed to have been significantly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and have 25 or fewer employees. Additionally, business owners were required to be up to date with their city taxes and permits.

The process of awarding the grants began in April 2022, following the allocation of funds by the Board of Aldermen from the $498 million received through the American Rescue Plan.

This funding is a significant boost for small businesses in St. Louis as they recover from the economic challenges posed by the pandemic. The grants will provide much-needed financial aid to these businesses, allowing them to sustain their operations and potentially expand.

One of the grant recipients is Kimberly St. Clair, who developed a product called “doctor career”. This innovative product brings together motorists’ automotive and medical information in one place, facilitating a seamless exchange of information with law enforcement during traffic stops. St. Clair plans to allocate the grant money towards paying her patent attorney.

Keith Jefferson, the owner of Creative Touch hair and beauty salon, also received a grant. He utilized the funds to improve the store’s lighting, restrooms, and work stations. This enhancement has not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the salon but also improved the overall experience for customers.

The Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation, another grant recipient, plans to use the funds to launch a program that hires youth to mow lawns around the homes of older residents and vacant properties in Walnut Park. This initiative not only beautifies the neighborhood but also provides employment opportunities for young individuals.

A common need for many small businesses in St. Louis is to bring more aspects of their operations online. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the significance of having a strong digital presence to ensure business continuity and success. The SLDC recognized this need and aimed to provide support services to help businesses transition to a more digital platform.

The grants have not only offered financial assistance but have also empowered small businesses to adapt and thrive in the post-COVID era. By embracing digitalization, these businesses can sustain their operations and attract a wider customer base.

Furthermore, the grants have had a positive impact on the local communities. The Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation’s focus on beautification highlights the importance of creating visually appealing neighborhoods. By addressing abandoned buildings and cars, the corporation aims to create a more functional and attractive environment.

Christiana Hampton, Principal of the Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation, emphasized the significance of beautifying the community. By doing so, they hope to foster a sense of pride among residents and improve the overall quality of life in the neighborhood.

The distribution of $4.5 million in federal relief funds by the St. Louis Development Corporation is a valuable initiative to support small businesses in the city. The grants provided much-needed financial assistance to 900 small businesses, allowing them to navigate the economic challenges posed by the pandemic and invest in their growth.

Additionally, the grants have had a broader positive impact on the community. By focusing on areas lacking economic development and promoting beautification efforts, the SLDC aims to create a more vibrant and prosperous environment for all residents.

Moreover, the emphasis on digitalization recognizes the importance of adapting to the changing business landscape. By encouraging small businesses to embrace digital platforms, the SLDC seeks to future-proof these businesses and ensure their long-term success.

The SLDC’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to fostering economic growth, supporting local entrepreneurs, and enhancing the overall well-being of St. Louis communities.

The St. Louis Development Corporation has distributed $4.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to 900 small businesses in St. Louis. These grants support businesses affected by the pandemic and contribute to economic development in areas previously lacking it. The grants were awarded based on eligibility criteria, including being significantly impacted by the pandemic and having 25 or fewer employees. Recipients can utilize the funds as they see fit to support their operations and promote growth.

The SLDC’s neighborhood management team played a vital role in engaging small businesses that traditionally might not have access to such programs. Through door-to-door outreach and communication efforts, the SLDC ensured that businesses were aware of the grant opportunity. This collaborative approach aimed to provide resources and a high level of service to those in need.

The grants have supported a diverse range of businesses, including one that developed a product called “doctor career” to facilitate the exchange of motorists’ automotive and medical information with law enforcement during traffic stops. Another grant recipient used the funds to upgrade their salon’s facilities, while another organization plans to hire youth for lawn care services in the community. These initiatives not only support individual businesses but also contribute to beautification efforts and employment opportunities.

In addition to financial assistance, the grants have also focused on supporting businesses in transitioning to a more digital platform. Recognizing the importance of a strong online presence, the SLDC aims to help businesses sustain their operations during the pandemic and beyond. By embracing digitalization, businesses can expand their customer base and improve their chances of success in the post-COVID era.

The distribution of relief funds by the SLDC highlights their commitment to supporting small businesses, fostering economic growth, and enhancing the overall well-being of

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He St. Louis Development Corporation has finished awarding $4.5 million in federal coronavirus relief funds to small businesses in St. Louis.

The grants will support 900 small businesses in 72 of the city’s 79 neighborhoods.

More than 75% of the beneficiaries are located in areas that the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development identified as lacking sufficient economic development in the past.

“It was definitely a team effort to engage people who traditionally don’t have access to these programs, giving them the resources they need and really providing the high-end level of service through our neighborhood management team,” President and Principal SLDC executive Neal Richardson. saying.

Ten neighborhood managers knocked on business doors to spread the word about the grants, Richardson said.

Businesses that were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic and have 25 or fewer employees were eligible. Business owners also needed to keep up with city taxes and permits.

SLDC began awarding the grants in April 2022, after the Board of Aldermen appropriated funds for the program from the $498 million awarded to the city by the American Rescue Plan.

St. Louis Development Corporation

Recipients may use the funds as they see fit.

They include Kimberly St. Clair, who developed a product called doctor career which brings together motorists’ automotive and medical information in one place to help facilitate a seamless exchange of information with law enforcement during traffic stops. You will use the grant money to pay your patent attorney.

“It was a huge gap-closing for me,” said St. Clair, who developed the idea for a few years before starting his business. “Right when the pandemic hit, I got up my courage and decided to jump in,” he said.

In Creative Touch hair and beauty salonowner Keith Jefferson used his grant to upgrade the store’s lighting, restrooms, and work stations.

Leaders of Riverview West Florissant Development Corporation. will use his grant for a program that hires youth to mow lawns around the homes of older residents and vacant properties in Walnut Park.

“We know that beautification is important because we have so many abandoned buildings, abandoned cars and things that make the neighborhood look dysfunctional,” said Principal Christiana Hampton.

“The way we see things determines the way we act within a community. So beautifying the community is one of the most important and paramount things we do. We know the importance of simply seeing the beauty in our neighborhoods,” Hampton added.

A common need for local small businesses is to bring more aspects of their operations online, Richardson said.

“We wanted to provide them with those support services to move to a more digital platform, so that their business can be sustained through COVID and can now be successful post-COVID as we look to return to normal practices. and they start to improve their customer base,” he said.

https://news.stlpublicradio.org/economy-business/2023-06-15/st-louis-development-corporation-awards-4-5-million-to-900-small-businesses
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