2025 BALSA Grant for Entrepreneurs in Missouri
This initiative provides $1,500 in funding, training, and mentorship to first-time entrepreneurs in the St. Louis area, helping them turn their business ideas into reality.
The BALSA Grant is an initiative of The BALSA Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to supporting first-time entrepreneurs in the local community. The foundation’s mission is to empower aspiring business owners, especially those who may lack access to traditional startup resources, by providing foundational support in the early stages of business development. The BALSA Grant was created to remove barriers and help individuals move their business ideas from concept to action through funding, training, and mentorship. The BALSA Grant offers a $1,500 non-dilutive cash grant to each recipient, along with participation in the organization’s comprehensive Learning Series and one-on-one mentoring. The Learning Series is a structured 10-week entrepreneur training program held weekly on Thursdays from 6 to 8 pm. It connects participants with local industry experts and introduces them to the St. Louis business ecosystem. Attendance in at least 80% of the Learning Series sessions is a mandatory condition of grant participation. In addition, recipients of the BALSA Grant become eligible to apply for a $5,500 Follow-on Grant for further business development support. The BALSA Grant is available to first-time entrepreneurs who meet specific eligibility criteria. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, reside within the St. Louis metropolitan area, have no significant outside investment, and must not have previously started a successful business. Past BALSA Grant recipients are not eligible for the BALSA Grant again, but they can apply for the Follow-on Grant. Participation is open to both for-profit and nonprofit business ideas, and applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens. The foundation reserves the right to adjust eligibility criteria and may make exceptions under extraordinary circumstances. Applications for the BALSA Grant are accepted twice a year, with cycles beginning on January 1 and July 1. For the current cycle, applications are open from July 1 through July 24, 2025. A downloadable PDF of the application is available for those who prefer to prepare responses in advance or who require a paper copy. There is no fee to apply. The foundation encourages applicants to consult its Entrepreneur's Roadmap and Learning Series resources to strengthen their submissions and gain clarity on the program's expectations and goals. The evaluation process for the BALSA Grant considers the clarity and feasibility of the business idea, the applicant’s potential to benefit from the program, and their commitment to participating fully in the Learning Series. While no specific scoring rubric is shared publicly, applicants are encouraged to write a strong application using the provided guidance and support materials. There is also a FAQ section and other educational resources available on the foundation's website. For additional questions or clarifications, applicants are encouraged to contact the foundation directly. The BALSA Foundation is located at 4818 Washington Ave., St. Louis, MO 63108. Although no specific contact email or phone number is listed in the provided source, the website offers a contact form and further organizational information. Interested individuals are urged to apply within the designated period and to leverage the available preparatory resources for the best chance of success.
Award Range
$1,500 - $1,500
Total Program Funding
Not specified
Number of Awards
Not specified
Matching Requirement
No
Additional Details
Each recipient receives a $1,500 non-dilutive cash grant along with mentorship and training. Recipients are also eligible for a $5,500 Follow-on Grant. Participation in a 10-week Learning Series is required.
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Eligible applicants must be first-time entrepreneurs residing in the St. Louis metropolitan area, aged 18 or older, with no significant outside investment. Participation in a 10-week Learning Series is required. Previous winners may only apply for the Follow-on Grant.
Geographic Eligibility
St. Louis
Review the Entrepreneur’s Roadmap and FAQ before applying. Participation in the Learning Series is essential.
Application Opens
July 1, 2025
Application Closes
July 24, 2025
Grantor
The BALSA Foundation
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