Great opportunity for entrepreneurs in St. Louis!

By Red Latina

Arch Grants plans to award 20-25 innovative, scalable, job-creating startups with non-dilutable grants of $75,000 and access to an ecosystem of resources (plus an additional $25,000 for those moving to St. Louis from outside of Missouri or more than 150 miles away on the Illinois side).

From February 21 to March 31 they will be accepting applications. They have also launched a Growth Grants program that awards up to $100,000 in non-diluting follow-up grants to Arch Grants Companies that have completed their program year to help them continue to grow in St. Louis. Since 2012, Arch has awarded grants to 230 businesses and has awarded more than $14 million. You can find eligibility details and apply at www.archgrants.org/competition.

We share with you some of the most frequently asked questions about this contest and why you should participate if you are an entrepreneur.

Why should I enter the Arch Grants Startup Competition?

Arch Grants is not only a source of equityfree funding for early stage startups, but it’s an opportunity to root your business within a growing entrepreneurial hub surrounded by a community of mentors, collaborators and resources. Arch Grant Companies receive $75,000 and access to an ecosystem of resources and support to help grow their business.

If I am selected for the Arch Grants program, what will I need to agree to?

Arch Grants Companies have five obligations to which they must adhere to receive the grant:

1. Locate or relocate the business with significant operations or headquarters in the City of St. Louis for at least one year.

2. Commit at least 51% of full-time founding team or one full-time founder and 51% of fulltime staff to St. Louis for