St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)

🌟 Building on the success of SLDC's July Small Business Grant Sprint, we're bringing the program back on Tuesday, Nov. 10 with a new funding opportunity! 🔗 Space is limited for the next Grant Sprint, and RSVP is required! Register here: https://forms.gle/JgzcDJMs4J2MNA8RA

T. Christopher Peoples joins SLDC as Vice President of Place-Based Initiatives! https://www.developstlouis.org/news-media/sldc-welcomes-t-christopher-peoples-as-vice-president-of-place-based-initiatives-leading-neighborhood-revitalization-corridor-development-and-small-business-support-in-st-louis

🌱 Join the Green City Coalition, Throwing and Growing Foundation, and Sundy Whiteside Memorial Garden this Saturday, Oct. 24, to celebrate a year of community progress. 🌼 RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeUQZLmzlJpgkGVzjcab1eZqu6AKJa6Mt5W_UbZ3qjw7fM1Dw/viewform

SLDC and ConnectSTL invite you to attend the "Community, Culture & Impact Celebration" to explore what's next for digital access and opportunity. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/connectstl-community-culture-impact-celebration-tickets-2002715489942?aff=oddtdtcreator

👏 Congratulations to Vivial Lopez, Business Services Specialist at SLDC's Northside Economic Empowerment Center, on being recognized as one of St. Louis Small Business Monthly’s 2026 Top Veterans in the Workplace! 🔗 https://sbmon.com/special-sections/st-louis-top-veterans-in-the-workplace/

SLDC is thrilled to be part of a collaboration with St. Louis-based organizations that has been named a finalist for a $25 million philanthropic Open Call by Capital One. Learn more: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/10/15/st-louis-capital-one-homeownership-grant-finalist.html

This week, SLDC presented Project Connect’s OurPlan to the City of St. Louis Planning Commission, helping formalize a long-term vision for six North St. Louis neighborhoods. Read more: https://www.stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2026-09-11/project-revitalize-north-st-louis-neighborhoods-nga

Hear SLDC President and CEO Stephen Westbrooks on Fox 2 St. Louis discuss the 2026 Mayor’s Celebration of Businesses luncheon here: https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/mayors-celebration-of-business-to-highlight-new-investment-in-st-louis/ Reserve your seat: https://www.developstlouis.org/luncheon

A 100-year-old building has been reimagined as one of St. Louis’ most distinctive destinations: 21c Museum Hotel St. Louis. With support from SLDC, the $90m adaptive reuse development brings together hospitality, public art, local partnerships and community programming. 🔗 https://ow.ly/8Htv50ZLBoW

HomeSTL funds reserved Aug. 31. SLDC is no longer accepting requests. Submitted requests are waitlisted; buyers must close by Sept. 30. https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/st-louis-first-time-homebuyer-program-helps-families-build-a-future-in-the-city/63-bf2c95c9-1cd4-4675-8f8a-659a487265ba

ARPA funding has helped the St. Louis LRA tackle vacancy and accelerate property reuse work across the city. Learn more about ARPA funding’s impact in St. Louis: https://www.firstalert4.com/2026/08/22/first-alert-forward-how-arpa-funds-helped-speed-up-demolitions-abandoned-buildings-stl/

SLDC and the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) are seeking qualified partners for two current opportunities. View current procurement opportunities and full RFP details: https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/sldc/procurement/

Community Connectivity: To support downtown revitalization & digital inclusion goals, the City of St. Louis partnered with SmartWAVE Technologies to deploy a free public Wi-Fi network throughout key downtown areas & public parks. #ConnectSTL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dg9zolZj5p4

📅September 1: How to Train Your Bookkeeper with Quickbooks at the #NEEC. Learn to understand cash flow, avoid bookkeeping mistakes & use reports to make decisions. Register: https://ow.ly/E3MC50ZAHp5

SLDC President and CEO Stephen Westbrooks joined St. Louis Magazine on “The 314 Podcast” for a conversation about our role in helping shape St. Louis’ economic future. 🎙️ Listen to the full conversation: https://www.stlmag.com/podcasts/314-podcast/episode-43/

This week, developers broke ground on four affordable homes on an unused lot. The project shows how environmental cleanup, land reuse & public-private collaboration can turn underused property into new investments in St. Louis neighborhoods. 🎥 KMOV: https://ow.ly/LMHT50Zzzqx

On Wed., Aug. 26, neighborhood residents are invited to learn more about proposed plans, ask questions and share feedback at the next Project Connect Neighborhood Plan Public Review Open House. More information about Project Connect can be found at https://www.projectconnectstl.com/.

Today, U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell joined the City of St. Louis to recognize federal funding secured, including the South Riverfront Redevelopment Project. The project will support a new trash transfer facility, create leasable space for the Port Authority & spur future economic activity.

Save A Lot y Más is celebrating its grand reopening on Cherokee Street, with an expanded selection of Hispanic and international grocery offerings. Read more in the St. Louis Business Journal: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/08/03/save-a-lot-y-mas-hispanic-shoppers-2nd-stl-store.html

SLDC welcomes Dr. Gerard Hollins Jr. as its executive vice president of development! Gerard brings over 30 years of experience in real estate financing, development and management. When he begins his role, he will oversee the city's pipeline of real estate projects and business investments.

CertifySTL helps qualifying St. Louis businesses apply, update, renew and expand their M/WBE certifications. Submit renewal materials at sldc.gob2g.com. Read our latest blog to learn more: https://www.developstlouis.org/blog/how-to-renew-your-mwbe-certification-st-louis

🚨 Registration is open for the 2026 Mayor's Celebration of Businesses luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 1! The luncheon brings together business, civic & community leaders to recognize the companies, partnerships & investments helping make St. Louis work. Register & learn more: https://ow.ly/6hb750Zskcn

HEADSHOT HAPPY HOUR: Come to the #NEEC on 7/30 to upgrade your website & LinkedIn profile with a professional headshot. Stay for the Small Business Panel & networking. Admission is 100% free, but headshots are limited to the first 100 businesses. Register: https://ow.ly/nWHw50ZryaG

SLDC, alongside civic, business and philanthropic leaders, hosted The Kresge Foundation yesterday at the Northside Movement Center to discuss St. Louis' future and revitalization efforts. Read more: http://stlpr.org/government-politics-issues/2026-07-22/can-st-louis-mimic-detroit-renaissance

The SLDC Board of Directors approved New Markets Tax Credits to support Chemline Inc.'s industrial manufacturing expansions and Habitat for Humanity St. Louis' construction of 40 new homes. https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/07/16/sldc-new-markets-tax-credits-chemline-habitat.html

The Cherokee Street Community Improvement District (CID) is helping emerging businesses take the next step into storefront retail through the Cherokee Pulse Project. 🤝🏪 Businesses and property owners can find more information and apply at https://cherokeestreet.com/pulse.

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA), staffed by SLDC, recently approved work on three major projects in St. Louis. Read more about the projects: https://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2026/06/16/lcra-monarch-cleveland-high-marshall-school.html

🚨 Save the date for the 2026 Mayor's Celebration of Businesses on Thursday, October 1! 🔗 Find sponsorship information and event details: https://www.developstlouis.org/luncheon

Today on Juneteenth, SLDC honors the generations who have advanced the cause of freedom and reflects on the work that remains to create a more equitable future for all.

SLDC, NEEC and BAC will be closed on Friday, June 19, for Juneteenth. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, June 22.

🛥️ FreightWeekSTL 2026 gave industry leaders a close look at why St. Louis is a global freight, logistics and supply chain hub. SLDC was proud to partner in the effort, with Port Director Susan Taylor joining the Ag Coast of America Riverboat Tour to highlight regional assets and careers.

⏪ Last week’s North St. Louis Business Collective, hosted by SLDC’s Neighborhood Transformation Team, continued its mission connecting entrepreneurs with lenders, city services and community partners for guidance on financing, insurance, permits & more. 📺https://ow.ly/lhUY50ZclBN

Yesterday, the Northside Youth and Senior Service Center broke ground on a new facility in The Ville neighborhood. This transformative project is supported by an investment from SLDC’s North City Grant Program and other organizations. Read more: https://shorturl.at/wkuIz

SLDC has reopened HomeSTL, a homebuyer assistance program helping first-time buyers purchase a home in the City of St. Louis. Watch the KMOV story and learn more about HomeSTL: https://www.firstalert4.com/2026/05/27/st-louis-development-corp-offering-up-50000-homebuyer-assistance/

Master the process of pricing projects for maximum profitability & competitiveness at the 3-part Bidding & Estimating Academy, starting 16. Business owners & contractors will learn a structured, repeatable process to create professional bids & estimates. Register: https://ow.ly/Q6B350YYpQI

SLDC is proud to partner with Construction Forum's upcoming "Yeah I Built That!" introducing young adults to possible careers across the construction industry. 📌 Wednesday, June 24 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | William J. Harrison Center 🔗 Sign up: https://shorturl.at/iqJa2

⚠️ The next 21-day bid window for Prop NS properties is now open through Thursday, June 25 at noon. This is an opportunity to invest in St. Louis neighborhoods and bring vacant properties back to life. Learn more about the buying and rehab process in our Prop NS FAQ: https://ow.ly/frl450Z7HML

North St. Louis business owners: Connect with city departments, service providers and partners at SLDC’s North St. Louis Business Collective next Thursday, June 11. 🔗 Register by Sunday, June 7: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfUgjrTFhYt3gpDslZzZzjR7ew5JaCC7oNXGEo46joBBJjepg/viewform

A year after the May 2025 tornado, SLDC continues working with City & community partners to support coordinated, long-term economic recovery. SLDC Tornado Recovery Project Manager recently shared how that work is moving from strategy to execution. 🔗Full story: https://ow.ly/s4T850Z5mZI

Thanks to funding from the North St. Louis Small Business and Non-Profit Grant Program, the George Washington Carver House is moving towards restoring the north half of the building into a community gathering space. Read more from St. Louis Public Radio: https://ow.ly/rpcx50Z4WRH

SLDC President & CEO Stephen Westbrooks recently shared his perspective on the ongoing conversation around development in St. Louis. Visit Stephen's LinkedIn to read the full post and find the St. Louis Business Journal article below. 📝 https://ow.ly/Afml50Z4IZW 🔗 https://ow.ly/rYkY50Z4IZV

ATTENTION BUSINESS OWNERS & CONTRACTORS: Master the process of pricing projects for maximum profitability & competitiveness at the 3-part Bidding & Estimating Academy that starts on 6/16. Register: https://ow.ly/JbvI50YYpv8

Today, we remember and honor everyone who gave their lives in service to our country.

The NEEC, BAC and SLDC will be closed on Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day. Regular business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 26.

SLDC, Greater St. Louis & Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District remain committed to beautifying downtown using Disney-inspired strategies. 🔗 Fox 2: https://ow.ly/kM7J50Z2TkI 🔗 KSDK: https://ow.ly/g3bw50Z2TkG

SLDC has released a training video to help educate the public on the requirements and policies governing redevelopment agreements at both the state and city levels. Topics include tax increment financing (TIF), development proposal procedures and more. www.developstlouis.org/news-media/s...

This morning, Stephen joined KMOX’s Megan Lynch to discuss how SLDC is helping move St. Louis forward through strategic partnerships and investment tools. 🎥 Watch the interview beginning at 2:42:00: www.youtube.com/live/apBHvZl...

SLDC proudly supports Dutchtown Main Streets as the organization brings together developers, contractors and community partners for Develop Dutchtown — a networking event focused on development tools, incentives and opportunities that can help move projects forward.

The 3-part Bidding & Estimating Academy starts 6/16. An essential program for business owners & contractors, participants will learn a structured, repeatable process to accurately calculate costs, assess risks & create professional bids & estimates. Details & Registration: https://ow.ly/PSjC50YYpeW

SLDC President and CEO recently spoke on the importance of consistent development process in the city. A key part of building a stronger development ecosystem, he said, is ensuring developers understand expectations and experience consistency throughout the project. 🔗 https://ow.ly/mIbQ50YWMSa Read