On September 25, we celebrated a significant milestone for the BALSA Foundation— our Summer 2024 BALSA Grant cohort and our tenth anniversary! This event highlighted the incredible entrepreneurial spirit of our community, as we awarded $1,000 cash grants, mentorship, and networking opportunities to ten first-time entrepreneurs looking to take their businesses to the next level.
We were also thrilled to support one $5,000 follow-on grant, thanks to the support of our friends at CIBC. Congratulations Knox Academy and its founder, Kim Knox who has shown exceptional potential and growth. Kim’s hard work and dedication to her venture have truly set her apart, and we can’t wait to see where she goes next.
In addition to Kim, the following entrepreneurs were awarded the BALSA Grant, each bringing their unique talents and business ideas to the St. Louis community:
Happy Feet Plus – Bounce house rental services for parties, events, and community gatherings, offering delivery, setup, and takedown.
Touches of Exquisite Events – Event decorator, planner, and coordinator to bring clients’ visions to life with a touch of elegance.
Unsung Angels – Empowering youth and communities to prevent gun violence through education, outreach, and mentorship.
MOTASTE LLC – A premium, all-natural spice blending company, offering low/no salt and sugar options.
Thrive with Purpose Consulting and Development, LLC – A consulting firm focused on increasing elementary school teacher retention rates.
AI Learning Network – Empowering businesses to leverage artificial intelligence for strategic growth and innovation.
Tailored Pieces – A lifestyle brand offering stylish and protective hair accessories.
Ghost Shipping – A secure, eco-friendly medical cannabis delivery service in St. Louis, prioritizing reliability and compliance.
Lisa Lou’s Desserts – A dessert business offering unique, handmade, and delicious treats.
Gifted Graves LLC – Offering a gentle approach to cemetery care with hand-washed headstones, bouquets, and photos.
The BALSA Foundation has been supporting St. Louis' entrepreneurs since its inception following the Ferguson protests. Our mission has always been to promote social equity and prosperity by empowering first-time entrepreneurs with the resources and support needed to start and grow their businesses. Over the last ten years, the BALSA Foundation has helped almost 250 businesses thrive, contributing to a stronger, more inclusive community.
We are incredibly proud of the entrepreneurs in this cohort and excited to see how their businesses will grow and contribute to the St. Louis economy. The next round of the BALSA Grant will open on January 1, 2025 and we look forward to continuing our work to close the racial wealth gap and empower local entrepreneurs.
We are grateful for all our supporters, mentors, judges, and partners who make this work possible. Together, we are building a brighter, more prosperous future for St. Louis.
