Applications are closed.
Applications for the BALSA Grant and the Follow-On Grant have now closed.
All applicants will be notified of decisions by Sunday, September 1st.
Application deadline is July 24, 2024.
Eligibility requirements for the BALSA Grant
First time entrepreneur. You must not have started a successful business before
No significant outside investment
Live in the St. Louis metropolitan area
At least 18 years of age
Eligibility requirements for the Follow-on Grant
The Follow-on Grant is available only to past BALSA Grant winners.
For a paper copy of the application or to see the questions ahead of time to prepare them, a PDF is available on the application form links above.
The BALSA Grant is free help to start a business
We offer the BALSA Grant to help first time entrepreneurs get their ideas off the ground.
BALSA Grant recipients receive:
Free (non-dilutive) cash grant of $1,000
The Learning Series, a 10 week comprehensive entrepreneur training program that helps participants realize their potential, introduces them to the St. Louis business ecosystem and brings them industry experts every week that also includes one on one time with each presenter after the session.
(Valued at $20,000+ in In-kind professional services)
One-on-one mentoring
Eligible to apply for the $5,000 Follow-on Grant
The BALSA Grant is designed for first-time St. Louis entrepreneurs wanting to start or grow their early stage business in St. Louis. We welcome applications from all business sectors, and from non-profit as well as for-profit organizations.
You can apply to The BALSA Grant twice a year, starting January 1 and July 1.
Before applying, be sure to download and read the Entrepreneur's Roadmap.
More details about the BALSA Grant:
We welcome applications from all business sectors, whether for-profit or non-profit, and from everyone regardless of US citizenship. We reserve the right to adjust our eligibility criteria, however.
Please contact us if you have questions or are unsure if you are eligible. Special consideration can be made in exceptional circumstances.
