Minority & Small Business Empowerment
Economic Empowerment: To further Economic Justice in St. Louis, SLDC is investing in an ecosystem that provides opportunities for businesses to launch, grow and sustain their operations. We are creating the workforce of the future through mentorship, training and quality jobs.
This includes working to promote business opportunities and capabilities of Minority- (MBE) and Women- (WBE) Owned Business Enterprises — and Small Businesses in the City of St. Louis. We strive to eliminate barriers for equal economic opportunity for MBEs and WBEs in the marketplace.
Business Support & Services
Check out the results of a disparity study examining the inclusivity of contracts & workforce opportunities in the City of St. Louis.
The Northside Economic Empowerment Center (NEEC) is now open in the Sumner High School Annex at 4248 Cottage Ave., St. Louis, MO 63113. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. These are subject to change based on SLPS schedule.
Upcoming Programs
IEDC Race, Equity and Economic Development Playbook
SLDC was chosen as one of five communities to make up the inaugural Equity Communities Cohort, a component of the Equitable Economic Development Playbook Initiative developed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).
The Equitable Economic Development Playbook Initiative aims to examine structural racism in economic development and promote equitable practices and standards.
The outcome of this initiative is the St. Louis Equity Action Plan which can be accessed here and here.