Weekly national program (coffee optional, encouraged) where local entrepreneurs present their startups to the innovation community and get informal feedback.
Who it’s for
Open to all founders and the curious public
Cost & conditions
Free
Timing
Weekly — check 1millioncups.com/stlouis for time/location
More details
What you get
Free weekly networking + practice pitching in front of a supportive local audience.
St. Louis's flagship nonprofit startup competition; awards equity-free cash grants to early-stage companies that headquarter in the City of St. Louis for at least a year.
Who it’s for
Early-stage companies (idea stage through pre-Series A); 51% of founding team must live/work in St. Louis during program year
Funding & cost
Grants & prizesFree application; grant is equity-free (no ownership taken)
Timing
Annual: 2026 window closed March 31, 2026 (opened Feb 18). Expect ~Feb–Mar window to reopen in 2027 — confirm on site.
More details
What you get
2026 cycle: $75,000 equity-free grant + $25,000 relocation funding for relocating teams, plus pro bono legal/accounting/marketing services and eligibility for Growth Grants up to $100,000.
Grant finalists receive in-kind professional services, which have historically included marketing/branding help (e.g., a jewelry-brand grantee received marketing support).
Who it’s for
First-time St. Louis entrepreneurs who apply and are selected
Cost & conditions
Free for grant finalists
Timing
Annual cycle — check balsafoundation.org
More details
What you get
Free professional design/branding support bundled with the cash grant for winners.
A multidisciplinary WashU organization fostering bioentrepreneurship through seminars, networking sessions, and coffee hours, culminating each spring in the Bench to Business…
Who it’s for
WashU students, postdocs, faculty, and staff (all levels)
Cost & conditions
Free
Timing
Workshop series runs through the year; Bench to Business Challenge held each spring
More details
Full description
A multidisciplinary WashU organization fostering bioentrepreneurship through seminars, networking sessions, and coffee hours, culminating each spring in the Bench to Business Challenge pitch competition.
What you get
Free access to a workshop series and an educational forum on biotech entrepreneurial skills, plus a genuine pitch competition each spring.
Pharrell Williams's nonprofit prize competition closing the opportunity and wealth gap for Black and Latinx founders, with a dedicated HBCU track relevant to Harris-Stowe students.
Who it’s for
Black and Latinx founders (National Track); students at HBCUs (HBCU Prize track)
Funding & cost
Grants & prizesFree to apply; prize itself is equity-free
Timing
Annual cycle — check blackambitionprize.com for the current application window
More details
What you get
Free to apply; historically six-figure equity-free prize funding for National Track winners, plus a dedicated (smaller) HBCU Prize track and access to the Fundable Founders Learning Lab and mentor network.
A cross-listed academic specialization between the Brown School (social work) and Olin Business School — reportedly the only program of its kind in the country — combining…
Who it’s for
WashU Brown School (MSW) students; Business of Social Impact Minor open more broadly to WashU undergrads
Cost & conditions
Free (tuition already covers WashU coursework)
Timing
Enrollment via normal WashU academic registration
More details
Full description
A cross-listed academic specialization between the Brown School (social work) and Olin Business School — reportedly the only program of its kind in the country — combining coursework (including cross-listed access to The Hatchery) with a 120-hour practicum at real social-impact organizations.
What you get
Structured academic pathway into social entrepreneurship with built-in practicum placements at organizations like the Skandalaris Center, LaunchCode, and WEPOWER St. Louis.
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