Greater St. Louis, Small Business Center Join Forces

The two organizations signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate business development, marketing, and public relations efforts.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Greater St. Louis, Small Business Center Join Forces

Live Poll

Do you trust local programs to help small businesses get financing and grow?

Greater St. Louis, Inc. and the Small Business Empowerment Center signed a memorandum of understanding to coordinate business development, marketing, and public relations. The agreement was announced Thursday, November 5, and formalizes a relationship begun with a February partnership.

Why it matters

The agreement links regional business connections with an organization that helps entrepreneurs prepare financing applications and business plans. It aims to connect small businesses in St. Louis with regional supply chains, potentially opening doors to larger customers and contracts.

The Small Business Empowerment Center reports more than 1,000 businesses launched in the region and $24 million obtained by clients through SBA lending programs. Missouri had roughly 43,700 Black-owned businesses, but only about 4,200 employed workers, and neither organization has announced funding or targets for expansion.

The players

Greater St. Louis, Inc.

A regional economic development organization that connects businesses across the St. Louis area with partners and resources.

Small Business Empowerment Center

An organization established in 2010 that helps entrepreneurs in the St. Louis region prepare financing applications and launch businesses.

The details

Under the memorandum of understanding, the two organizations will coordinate business development, marketing, and public relations. The Small Business Empowerment Center helps entrepreneurs assess financing needs, prepare business plans and financial statements, and apply for loans through SBA programs.

The Small Business Empowerment Center was established in 2010.
A partnership between the two organizations was announced in February.
The memorandum of understanding was announced Thursday, November 5.

Market Landscape

The partnership extends a model in which local nonprofit counseling pairs with SBA-backed financing to help small firms grow beyond the sole-proprietor stage. Greater St. Louis, Inc. adds regional business connections that could place these firms into larger supply chains.

Entrepreneurs in St. Louis seeking financing or business planning help may find additional access through these coordinated services. The agreement does not yet specify new programs or fees, so prospective clients should contact the organizations directly for current offerings.

The takeaway

Small businesses seeking SBA-backed loans can start by contacting a local counseling center to assess financing needs before applying. Pairing regional business networks with hands-on loan preparation may improve access to larger contracts.