Neighborhood Innovation Center

Wrap up 2024 with us at our Microbusiness Socials tomorrow, December 20th, from 4:00–6:00 PM at Urban Eats (3301 Meramec St.) Here's what is waiting for you at the last Microbusiness Socials of the year: ?? Reflect on your 2024 wins ?? Exchange ideas and connect with fellow entrepreneurs ?? Set inspiring goals for a thriving 2025 These gatherings are about learning, growth, and connection—perfect for current and aspiring entrepreneurs. Don’t miss this chance to celebrate and plan your next big steps! ?? RSVP now: Facebook: https://bit.ly/3VGOxrH or MeetUp: https://bit.ly/3ZTXNLz #MicrobusinessSocials #ChampionTheSmall #STLMade #STLEvents #entrepreneurship #localbusiness

Small businesses and entrepreneurs are the backbone of Dutchtown, driving growth and opportunity. Our work focuses on economic empowerment, fostering innovation, and uplifting communities. Our ecosystem partners play a vital role: ?? Dutchtown Main Streets boosts economic development and creates opportunities for local businesses. ?? Employment Connection breaks barriers to self-sufficiency for underserved groups. ?? Dutchtown South Community Corporation supports community empowerment and housing development. ?? Gene Slay's Girls & Boys Club of St. Louis inspires youth leadership and growth. These partners align with our vision by championing entrepreneurs. This year’s Microbusiness Awards highlight our mission: Legacy honoree Winklemann Drug showcases generational success, while immigrant-owned businesses like Ghodar Soufi and A&Q Custom Wheels and Tires inspire with resilience and innovation. By uniting local government, regional leaders, and community innovators, we champion entrepreneurs and fuel growth. The Dutchtown Innovation Hub is our next step, building pathways for businesses to thrive. At Dutchtown, when small businesses thrive, entire communities rise. #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic #STLMade #STLEvents #DutchtownGala24

A huge thank you to the organizations and businesses who gave their time, talent, and resources to make this year’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala a success. Your in-kind contributions are more than just support for a single night; they are investments in our overall vision of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community empowerment in Dutchtown. With your support, we’re driving meaningful change by: ? Empowering local entrepreneurs to dream bigger and grow stronger businesses. ? Strengthening Dutchtown’s position as a hub for innovation, where small businesses can thrive. ? Honoring our neighborhood’s century-old entrepreneurial spirit while creating opportunities for the next generation of leaders. Your contributions don’t just make an event possible—they help create real momentum. Together, we’re building a stronger community, where businesses grow, ideas flourish, and dreams become reality. This Gala was just the beginning, and it’s all possible because of partners like you who believe in Dutchtown’s vision. Thank you for showing up, stepping up, and helping us create something meaningful. The future starts here, and we’re building it together. #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic #STLMade #STLEvents #DutchtownGala24 The Civil Life Brewing Company Arch Shadow Media U-Haul Craig Adams

A huge thank you to the generous sponsors of this year’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala: Gasmart, Kaiser's Grand Mart, Dutchtown Community Improvement District (DTCID), Dad's Cookie Company, and Prestige Motors. Your support is about more than one night of celebration. It’s about empowering local entrepreneurs, uplifting our community, and shaping Dutchtown’s future. Because of partners like you, we take a step forward in empowering local entrepreneurs and uplifting our community. ?? Kicking off the Capital Campaign for a Dutchtown Farmer's Market, enhancing the Neighborhood Innovation Center (NICstl)—a space where ideas turn into opportunities. ?? Growing the Microbusiness Incubator (MBi) to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs thrive. ?? Expanding the Dutchtown Community Venture Capital Fund to break down capital barriers and support early-stage businesses. Together, we’re proving that small businesses have the power to transform communities. Your investment is helping build a stronger small business ecosystem, creating opportunities where they matter most, and driving growth to ensure a brighter future for us all. Thank you for believing in this vision and the people making it possible. #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic #STLMade #STLEvents #DutchtownGala24

?? What a night to remember! Thank you for making the Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala a huge success! From the joyful celebrations and festive entertainment to supporting local entrepreneurs, you helped create an unforgettable evening that captured Dutchtown’s spirit. The Holiday Gala is one part of creating a greater and lasting impact in Dutchtown and beyond. From championing our local businesses to strengthening partnerships that uplift our community, your support is helping build a brighter, stronger future for us all. Let’s keep the momentum going! Together, we can continue to create opportunities, celebrate our community, and make Dutchtown shine even brighter for years to come. #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic #STLMade #STLEvents

Celebrating Dutchtown's 2024 Microbusiness Award Winners At this year’s Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala, we celebrated two remarkable honorees who embody the spirit of community, innovation, and hard work: Winkelmann Drug and Ghodar Soufi of A&Q Custom Wheels and Tires. ?? Legacy Business Award: Winkelmann Drug Founded in 1913, Winkelmann Drug has been a cornerstone of Dutchtown for over a century. Now, under the leadership of Dmitri Postnov, Pharm.D., and Jason Wang, Pharm.D., this family-owned pharmacy continues to honor its rich legacy while embracing the future with a vision of growth and innovation. ?? Immigrant Entrepreneur Award: Ghodar Soufi Ghodar’s journey from Iraqi Kurdistan to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Dutchtown is a testament to the power of resilience and dedication. Through A & Q Custom Wheels & Tires, Ghodar provides reliable automotive services and creates opportunities for fellow immigrants, contributing to the community's revitalization. His unwavering commitment to integrity and service makes him a true inspiration. As an added treat, Ghodar shared his musical talents with the crowd during the awards ceremony, performing a special live saz performance that left everyone in awe! Watch this space for more highlights from this magical evening – coming soon! If you were with us at the Gala, share your photos and stories using #DutchtownGala. #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic #STLMade #STLEvents #MicrobusinessAwards Dutchtown Community Improvement District Dutchtown Main Streets St. Louis Mosaic Project International Institute of St. Louis

???? Experience the Holiday Magic of Meramec Magic + Dutchtown Open House! Celebrate the season with a day of shopping, exploration, and community spirit at Dutchtown’s Meramec Magic Open House. Discover unique treasures, connect with local businesses, and enjoy the holiday cheer with every stop. Collect stamps with the Discover Dutchtown Passport or Turfhunt app (code: RRZYIF) and unlock exciting rewards while supporting small businesses! Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024 Time: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Location: 3100–3400 Blocks of Meramec ?? RSVP now on Facebook: https://bit.ly/41vX8RO or MeetUp: https://bit.ly/4iAfQOj ?? Learn more about Discover Dutchtown: discoverdutchtown.org #DiscoverDutchtown24 #ChampionTheSmall #STLMade #supportlocalbusinesses #holidayshopping

?? Thank you for making the Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala such a success! Together, we celebrated Dutchtown’s spirit, supported local entrepreneurs, and built excitement for the future. Stay tuned for highlights and updates on how your contributions are making an impact.? #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic #STLMade #STLEvents #DutchtownGala

For over 100 years, Winkelmann Drug. has been a pillar of Dutchtown, providing care, service, and a sense of continuity to generations of neighbors. Founded in 1913 and lovingly stewarded by four generations of the Winkelmann family, their story is one of deep roots and unwavering dedication. Now, as recipients of the Legacy Business Award at the 2024 Microbusiness Awards, their legacy shines brighter than ever. Under the thoughtful leadership of Dmitri Postnov, Pharm.D., and Jason Wang, Pharm.D., this beloved pharmacy is embracing a new era—honoring its storied past while bringing fresh innovation to Dutchtown. Their commitment to community care reminds us of the enduring power of legacy to shape our future. Celebrate this inspiring milestone and join us at the Winter Wonderland Holiday Gala on December 11th to honor Dutchtown’s stories of heritage, hope, and innovation. ??? Text UNWRAPMAGIC to 53-555 or visit https://lnkd.in/gtxR2HK4 to get your tickets. #MicrobusinessAwards #DiscoverDutchtown24 #STLMade #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic #STLEntrepreneur #STLBusiness International Institute of St. Louis St. Louis Mosaic Project Greater St. Louis, Inc. Dutchtown Community Improvement District Dutchtown Main Streets Missouri Department of Economic Development City of St. Louis St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Washington University in St. Louis - Olin Business School Missouri Main Street Connection, Inc. SBA St. Louis District Office Michelle Hataway

? Don’t miss the magical evening we’ve planned: horse-drawn carriage rides, live music from Ivas John, an open bar, and unforgettable memories at the Fisheye Fun Photo Booth! ??? For tickets, text UNWRAPMAGIC to 53-555 or visit https://lnkd.in/gtxR2HK4 now. Doors open at 5:30 PM—we can’t wait to see you there! #DiscoverDutchtown24 #STLMade #WinterWonderlandHolidayGala #ChampionTheSmall #DutchtownMagic?