St. Louis Development Corporation to Retool and Reopen Applications for North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program in August

On June 30, 2023, the Board of Aldermen passed legislation revising the North St. Louis Commercial Corridor Grant Program being implemented by St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC). Board Bill 37 amends Ordinance Number 71504, which created a $37 million grant program for small businesses and non-profits in North St. Louis. The legislative update clarifies applicant eligibility, expands geographic boundaries of the program and streamlines the project review/scoring criteria SLDC will use to evaluate applications.

“These updates cut through red tape, make it easier for SLDC to administer the program while expanding access for more small businesses and community organizations to apply for grants,” said SLDC’s President & CEO, Neal Richardson. “It also helps ensure equitable distribution of funds through a streamlined evaluation process that allows smaller applicants to be more competitive.”

Signed into law by Mayor Jones on July 14, SLDC will modify the North St. Louis Commercial Corridor Grant Program application to meet the parameters of the new legislation. The target date for the new application is August 1, 2023. Current applicants will not be required to complete a new application. SLDC and its consultants will provide support to help businesses retrofit their information into the new application.

Prior to reopening the application, SLDC will host information sessions to address changes to the program and application process. Recordings of those sessions and program updates will be available at www.developstlouis.org/nstlcommcorridorgrant

The North St. Louis Commercial Corridor Grant Program is funded with Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration.