St. Louis Celebrates First Anniversary of Northside Economic Empowerment Center

On January 9, 2024, community leaders gathered in the Annex at Sumner High School to commemorate the first anniversary of the Northside Economic Empowerment Center (NEEC). A strategic, centralized center powered by SLDC, the NEEC focuses on business empowerment, capacity building and workforce development for businesses and residents in the City of St. Louis.

“The NEEC is a one-stop shop serving residents and businesses right here in North St. Louis by providing access to resources for them to enter, grow and scale in their respective industries,” said SLDC’s President and CEO, Neal Richardson.

During her remarks at the celebratory event, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said, “The empowerment center meets people where they are. It lowers the barrier of entry for young people who are interested in growing or starting a business. It gives someone the encouragement and support to chase their dreams.”

The Northside Economic Empowerment Center had a goal of serving 1,000 residents in its first year, but SLDC exceeded that goal by serving 2,676 residents in 2023.

The NEEC is funded in whole or in part with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration.