BALSA Grant for Entrepreneurs in Missouri

The BALSA Grant is an initiative of The BALSA Foundation, a nonprofit based in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to supporting first-time entrepreneurs. The foundation is known for fostering equitable access to entrepreneurial resources and funding opportunities, especially for those in the early stages of business development. Through this grant program, The BALSA Foundation aims to reduce barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs by providing non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and educational support to catalyze sustainable business growth. This funding opportunity is specifically designed for first-time entrepreneurs who reside in the St. Louis metropolitan area and have not previously started a successful business or received significant external investment. The BALSA Grant awards a one-time, non-dilutive grant of $1,500 in cash to selected recipients. In addition to the monetary award, participants are enrolled in a mandatory 8–10 week Learning Series that offers in-depth entrepreneurial training. This Learning Series is structured to provide both foundational business education and access to local industry experts and takes place weekly on Thursday evenings from 6–8pm. Selected applicants also receive one-on-one mentoring throughout the program and are subsequently eligible to apply for the Follow-on Grant, which awards up to $5,500 in additional funding. The program is inclusive of both for-profit and nonprofit ventures and does not require U.S. citizenship. All applicants must be at least 18 years old and able to commit to attending a minimum of 80% of the Learning Series sessions. Applications for the BALSA Grant open twice annually, with submission periods beginning on January 1 and July 1. The grant is not rolling, but it is recurring on a biannual basis. The application process includes reviewing the Entrepreneur's Roadmap and may be completed online. A PDF version of the application is also available for download to assist with preparation. While there is no indication of matching requirements or specific allowable uses for the funding, the grant is described as free support to help launch or grow an early-stage business idea. The BALSA Foundation encourages applicants from all sectors and backgrounds, although final eligibility determinations and any exceptions are at the discretion of the foundation. The BALSA Foundation is located at 4818 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108. Interested applicants are encouraged to reach out if they have questions about their eligibility, especially if they believe they might qualify for an exception under special circumstances.

Review the Entrepreneur’s Roadmap and FAQ before applying. Participation in the Learning Series is essential.