UMSL Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center

Join us in honoring UMSL’s Top Innovators and Entrepreneurs ?? Entrepreneurship fuels innovation, creates opportunities, and transforms communities. The Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, presented by UMSL EIC, recognize UMSL alumni, students, faculty, staff, and advocates who are making a lasting impact through outstanding entrepreneurial achievement. Know someone who deserves to be recognized? Learn more and submit a nomination at https://lnkd.in/gwBYJTkD Categories are: UMSL Student Entrepreneur Award Entrepreneur Advocate Award Social Entrepreneur Award?UMSL Lifetime Achievement Award?Entrepreneur of the Year Award #UMSLEIC #Entrepreneurship #EOTY #UMSL University of Missouri St. Louis College of Business Administration

As March comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders driving change in St. Louis and beyond. At UMSL EIC, we’re proud to support women founders as they build businesses, create opportunities, and shape the future of our economy—not just this month, but every month. Our very own Dr. Scott Morris recommends Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead to anyone seeking insights on leadership and career growth. Sandberg’s book explores confidence, workplace dynamics, and the challenges women navigate, offering practical lessons for professionals at any stage. Tag a female founder who inspires you! #UMSLEIC #Entrepreneurship Denise Williams, Lisa Hu, CPA, MBA, Kristin Sobolik, Rachel Burns, Cami Thomas, La'Crassia Wilderness

UMSL Student Pitch Competition – Apply Now ?? Undergraduate students at UMSL have the opportunity to compete for cash grants at the first Student Pitch Competition. This competition is open to students from all majors and backgrounds who are ready to showcase their startup ideas, refine their entrepreneurial skills, and compete for funding. How to Compete: Join the Entrepreneurship Club Form a team with fellow UMSL students Present your pitch on April 9, 2025 | 3–4:30 PM | Millennium Student Center, Century Room A Prizes: Top prize: $5,000 Two prizes of $500 Four prizes of $250 Only full-time UMSL students with early-stage business ideas are eligible. This is an opportunity to gain real-world experience, receive valuable feedback, and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gKW8askK #UMSLEIC #StudentPitch #Entrepreneurship

UMSL Student Pitch Competition – Apply Now ?? Undergraduate students at UMSL have the opportunity to compete for cash grants at the first Student Pitch Competition. This competition is open to students from all majors and backgrounds who are ready to showcase their startup ideas, refine their entrepreneurial skills, and compete for funding. How to Compete: Join the Entrepreneurship Club Form a team with fellow UMSL students Present your pitch on April 9, 2025 | 3–4:30 PM | Millennium Student Center, Century Room A Prizes: Top prize: $5,000 Two prizes of $500 Four prizes of $250 Only full-time UMSL students with early-stage business ideas are eligible. This is an opportunity to gain real-world experience, receive valuable feedback, and take the next step in your entrepreneurial journey. Register here: https://lnkd.in/gKW8askK #UMSLEIC #StudentPitch #Entrepreneurship

Happy 314 Day, St. Louis! Today, we celebrate the spirit of innovation, resilience, and community that makes St. Louis a hub for entrepreneurship. At UMSL EIC, we are proud to support local founders who are building businesses that drive economic growth and create lasting impact in our region. Whether you're a small business owner, a startup founder, or a supporter of local entrepreneurship, today is a reminder to invest in and uplift those shaping the future of St. Louis. Shop local, collaborate, and continue to champion innovation in our city. #314Day #UMSLEIC #SupportLocal #STLEntrepreneurs

Congratulations to 2024 Anchor Accelerator Cohort member ThriveLink on their recent feature in Forbes! Thrivelink is transforming access to essential services with its Al virtual assistant, enabling users to apply for health insurance, food stamps, and utility assistance through a simple phone call-just by answering questions verbally. Read the full article at https://lnkd.in/euqiP4ZK #UMSLEIC #FurtherFasterTogether Kwamane Liddell, JD, MHA, BSN University of Missouri-Saint Louis University of Missouri St. Louis College of Business Administration

UMSL EIC is proud to highlight two outstanding students, Nick Eberhardt (Senior, Entrepreneurship) and Nayesha Sullivan (Junior, Accounting & President of the Entrepreneurship Club). Their leadership and dedication to innovation earned them a unique opportunity to join Chancellor Sobolik Kristin, College of Business Dean Shu Schiller, and UMSL EIC Executive Director Scott Morris at the kickoff event for our AACSB accreditation,a distinction held by only 6% of business schools worldwide. We are excited to see these future leaders continue to make an impact! #UMSL #UMSLEIC #UMSLProud #FurtherFasterTogether University of Missouri-Saint Louis University of Missouri St. Louis College of Business Administration

Schnuck Markets, Inc., in partnership with the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, is now accepting applications for the Schnucks Springboard Accelerator Program! ?This initiative seeks local, diverse-owned businesses with consumer packaged goods (CPG) products to apply for business development support, including $5,000 in equity-free funding and a shelf trial at select Schnucks stores in 2026. To qualify, businesses must have existing retail sales, offer an uncarried product, and meet food safety and insurance requirements by December 31, 2025. Applications are open until March 31, 2025, and can be submitted via schnucks.com/springboard.

We are proud to share that our Executive Director, Scott Morris, DBA, is being recognized in the Inaugural St. Louis Business 500 edition of St. Louis Magazine! This honor highlights his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship at UMSL EIC. We also extend our congratulations to University of Missouri-Saint Louis Chancellor Kristin Sobolik, Dean Shu Schiller of the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Business Administration, 2025 Anchor Accelerator Cohort member Jordan Russell, PhD, and our fellow community leaders. Together, our collective efforts continue to drive impactful change in St. Louis! #UMSL #UMSLEIC #UMSLProud #FurtherFasterTogether

Our 2025 Anchor Accelerator Cohort is learning and growing at UMSL EIC! Our founders are getting real-world experience, sharpening their skills, and pushing their ventures forward. With practical coursework, personalized mentorship, and hands-on challenges, they’re building a solid foundation for success. Stay tuned for more updates as they continue to learn, grow, and drive impact in our community. #UMSL #UMSLEIC #UMSLProud #FurtherFasterTogether