St. Louis Small Business Empowerment Center

"If you need help or resources starting your business, go to SBDC; there you will get the help you need." -Tesha McDonald, Alternatives Beauty School. From securing loans to fine-tuning marketing strategies, your local SBDC can make a huge difference. #SBDC #Testimonial #BusinessGrowth #SmallBizSuccess

Whether you're preparing to apply for a small business loan or simply staying on top of your IRS obligations, meeting tax deadlines—or filing for an extension—may help you avoid penalties and maintain financial health. To simplify things, we’ve broken down essential 2025 tax deadlines and highlighted forms you should become familiar with. https://hubs.ly/Q0354dFL0

When the L.A. wildfires struck, small businesses like Photobohemia, Postal Petals, Roni’s Diner, and Tea at Shiloh faced unimaginable challenges. Yet, through resilience and community support, they found a way forward. These business owners refused to give up—rebuilding their spaces, adapting to new realities, and keeping their dreams alive. Their stories are a testament to the strength of small businesses and the communities that stand behind them. After receiving the LA Business Wildfire Grant, they shared their journeys with us, each one unique but proving a common truth: recovery is possible with the right support. Are you a small business owner navigating challenges? Explore resources to help you rebuild and thrive: LiftFund.com #LiftFundImpact #SmallBusinessSupport #WildfireRecovery #CommunityStrong #LAStrong

Nearly 30 years ago, #ExperienceCorps was cofounded by a geriatrician after she started writing prescriptions for her older patients to go volunteer. To Linda P. Fried, MD, MPH, the health benefits of sustained connection and purpose gained through a meaningful volunteer commitment were clear. Today, the program brings meaning and connection to older adult volunteers while fulfilling a vital mission for children in underserved communities. To help show the scale, impact and power of the program, we recently traveled to a few program locations, including Read to Succeed Buffalo, Inc., to film volunteers and students in action. Video coming soon!

Honoring the Legacy. Continuing the Work. SBEC celebrates the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. #mlkday

“Is your business operating at capacity? Are you satisfied with your cash flow?” Twenty-seven St. Louis-area entrepreneurs who honestly answered no have now become members of our inaugural Business Health Assessment Cohort. SBEC partnered with the AEO (Association for Enterprise Opportunity) to provide key insights for our cohort members. AEO has spent years researching SMB success and knows the importance of viewing ownership approach holistically. Cohort membership includes personalized business coaching with SBEC’s Andrew Turnage, MBA. Upcoming group meetings will cover funding opportunities, certifications, and other business-building topics. We are excited to assist these businesses in achieving their full potential.?

Capital is critical to long-term business success—and local, state, and federal contracts have been a good source of capital for several SBEC clients. In 2024 alone, SBEC helped our clients win $13 million in government contracts. We work with our clients throughout the process—from helping them find the contracts that best fit their business model and capacity to identifying the proper fulfillment and procurement needs. We are honored to support and proud of the results. #government_contracts

SBEC is proud to have a strategic partner with the perfect name: Silver Lining. Silver Lining uses technology and behavior change science to crystallize areas of opportunity, identify next steps, and develop long-term plans for small business owners. Ten SBEC clients have created Silver Lining Action Plans (SLAP) and have learned new ways to develop sustainable business revenue. With their SLAPs, they have access to marketing and sales campaigns, an SMB support team, and data-driven insights for ongoing growth. If you have been looking for your silver lining, check out https://lnkd.in/gn_nUBr6 to see if Silver Lining is a good fit.?

200 clients served. 46 businesses created. 85 products launched. Thanks in part to the generous support of the Economic Development Agency's St. Louis Build Back Better challenge grant, we at SBEC have broadened our role in delivering growth, innovation, and empowerment within our minority business community. Each client is a testament to the St. Louis community's creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. We are proud to support the dreams of the entrepreneurs who dared to envision a better future. #buildbackbetter