St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

What St. Louis Economic Development Partnership does

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership) is a private, non-profit, public-private partnership economic development organization founded in 1984 and headquartered at 120 South Central Ave., Suite 200, St. Louis, Missouri. It serves St. Louis City and County through ten operational divisions: Business Development, Business Finance (SBA 504 loans, specialty loans, bond financing), Business Retention & Expansion (BRE), Community Investment/Outreach, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (four STLVentureWorks business incubators in Creve Coeur, West County, Lemay, and Wellston), Small Business Navigating (SBDC counseling), Real Estate (including brownfield redevelopment), the St. Louis County Port Authority, the Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA), the Industrial Development Authority, the St. Louis Mosaic Project (immigration and global talent), and World Trade Center St. Louis. Subsidiaries include the Heartland Regional Investment Fund (HRIF), which administers New Markets Tax Credits.

The organization does not build technology products; it delivers services directly through field-based relationship management with businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits. Revenue is derived from federal and state grants, loan servicing and origination fees, business incubator operations (below-market office and warehouse space), and Port Authority ground lease payments from Penn National Gaming at the River City Casino site. Grant capital is redistributed through the Community Investment Fund (capped at $300,000 per project in 2026) and through HRIF New Markets Tax Credit allocations.

STL Partnership serves a diverse stakeholder base including businesses of all sizes, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, municipal governments, entrepreneurs, and international/immigrant communities. Recent high-impact projects include Wellston Industrial Park redevelopment with THO Investments ($40M, 50+ jobs), Lulu Heights (178 homes with Beyond Housing and McBride Homes), retention support for Zeiss Medical Technology's Chesterfield operations (recognized with a BREI Award of Excellence in 2026), a $10M NMTC allocation to CR Metal Products, and securing British Airways seasonal non-stop service between St. Louis Lambert and London Heathrow beginning April 2026.

Name

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

Legal name

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership

Website

https://stlpartnership.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1984

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership is a non-profit public-private partnership serving St. Louis City and County, operating business development, lending, retention, incubator, port, real estate, and international trade divisions to attract, retain, and grow businesses and communities.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Economic Development Services

NAICS

Administration of General Economic Programs (92611), Administration of Economic Programs (926), Administration of Economic Programs (9261)

SIC

Services-Management Services (8741)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Growth, Trade & Private Sector Development Programs (BPADABAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN), Development Finance, Guarantees & Blended Finance Programs (BPADABAM), Industrial Development & Competitiveness Programs (BPADAMAF), Regional Economic Integration & Economic Corridors (BPADAMAH)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Business lending financing
• Community investment grants
• Business incubation programs
• International trade services

Headquarters

HQ city

St Louis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Federal and State Grants: The organization administers various grant programs including New Markets Tax Credits through its subsidiary HRIF, Community Investment Fund grants from the Port Authority, and brownfield redevelopment support. Funding originates from government sources and corporate partnerships.
2. Economic Development Services: Provides business finance lending services including SBA 504 loans, specialty loans, and bond financing. Operates business incubators offering below-market office and warehouse space. Revenue generated through loan servicing and incubator operations.
3. Port Authority Operations: St. Louis County Port Authority generates revenue through Penn National Gaming ground lease payments for River City Casino location. Funds support the Community Investment Fund grant program for economic development projects.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership is a public-private non-profit economic development organization that delivers business finance (SBA 504 loans, specialty loans, bond financing), business attraction/retention/expansion services, business incubation through four STLVentureWorks locations, real estate redevelopment including brownfield cleanup, Port Authority Community Investment Fund grants up to $300,000 per project, World Trade Center St. Louis international trade services, and St. Louis Mosaic Project immigrant integration programs. It serves St. Louis City and County businesses, municipalities, and nonprofits through specialized divisions.

Product overview

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership is a comprehensive economic development organization (not a technology company) offering a portfolio of interconnected services through specialized divisions. The core offerings include Business Finance/Lending, Business Development, Business Retention & Expansion, Community Investment, Innovation & Entrepreneurship (operated through STLVentureWorks business incubators), Real Estate services including Brownfield Redevelopment and LCRA, Port Authority with Community Investment Fund grants, World Trade Center St. Louis for international trade, and the St. Louis Mosaic Project for immigrant integration and global talent programs. Services target businesses at every stage from startups using SBDC counseling and incubators to established corporations, plus municipalities and community organizations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Business Finance (Lending) Financial services including SBA 504 loans, specialty loans, and bond financing to help businesses finance real estate and equipment with favorable terms. Targeted at businesses in St. Louis City and County.
• Business Development Services to attract, retain, and facilitate growth of businesses in St. Louis City and County, including site selection, incentive negotiation, and workforce development connections.
• Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) Program bridging the gap between local companies and government entities, helping businesses overcome challenges and seize growth opportunities through relationship building. Recognized internationally with BREI Award of Excellence.
• Community Investment (Outreach) Services connecting municipalities, businesses, and community members in underserved areas with resources that encourage sustainable economic development and equity.
• STLVentureWorks Business Incubators Four business incubators under STLVentureWorks brand located in Creve Coeur, West County, Lemay, and Wellston, offering below-market office and warehouse space, mentoring, and networking opportunities for startups and small businesses.
• Small Business Navigating Comprehensive small business support including SBDC counseling, training workshops, financing options, and connections to local chambers of commerce.
• St. Louis Mosaic Project Regional initiative dedicated to making St. Louis the fastest growing major metro for immigration by 2030, supporting immigrant entrepreneurship, international hiring, and community integration through programs like Ambassador Companies, International Students Support, and Social Connections. Maintains 3,000+ ambassadors and 56 ambassador companies.
• World Trade Center St. Louis International division providing export assistance, trade missions, foreign trade zone services, and hosting inbound international delegations for over 30 years. Includes a membership program for companies engaged in or interested in international trade.
• St. Louis County Port Authority / Community Investment Fund St. Louis County Port Authority managing the Community Investment Fund grant program supporting economic and community development projects with funding from Penn National Gaming rental payments for River City Casino. Provides grants up to $300,000 per project to nonprofits serving St. Louis County.
• Real Estate / Brownfield Redevelopment Project management support for developers and municipalities, including brownfield redevelopment, site assessments, and cleanup technical assistance.
• Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority (LCRA) Authority established to eliminate and prevent blight in St. Louis County through redevelopment plans, property acquisition, and community redevelopment projects.
• Industrial Development Authority Authority providing financing options for industrial development projects in the St. Louis region.

Quantifiable outcome

• St. Louis ranked #1 metro for foreign-born population growth with 23.2% increase from 2022-2023
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• THO Investments, LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTHO Investments is purchasing the Wellston Industrial Park property (28.33 acres) for approximately $1 million and investing nearly $40 million to redevelop it into a manufacturing and logistics business park. The project is expected to create at least 50 new jobs.
• PARICcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPARIC, a construction company, is participating in Kinloch cleanup and revitalization efforts. CEO Mike Rallo participated in the $1 million Boeing grant announcement ceremony.
• Greater St. Louis, Inc.coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional economic development organization collaborating with STL Partnership on business attraction, retention, and growth initiatives. CEO Ron Kitchens participated in cross-sector partnership panel discussion.
• Missouri PartnershipcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level economic development organization partnering on business attraction and corporate recruitment. CEO Subash Alias participated in Bosnia and Herzegovina delegation meeting at World Trade Center.
• St. Louis County Port AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPort Authority, chaired by Ambassador Kevin F. O'Toole O'Malley, is a division of STL Partnership providing Community Investment Fund grants, real estate redevelopment, and transportation-related economic development.
• Girl Scouts of Eastern MOminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit organization participating in cross-sector partnership panel discussion on authentic partnerships. CEO Dr. Natissia Small served as panelist.
• St. Louis County LibraryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPublic library system participating in cross-sector partnership panel discussion. Director and CEO Kristen Sorth moderated and participated as panelist.
• Regional Business CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional business leadership organization co-leading Kinloch Block Builders event and cleanup initiatives. President and CEO Karen Branding participated in cleanup events.
• Urban League of Metropolitan St. LouiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCivil rights organization co-leading Kinloch cleanup and revitalization. President and CEO Michael McMillan spoke at cleanup events.
• St. Louis Development CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity-level economic development organization participating in Kinloch revitalization and Wellston housing redevelopment (Lulu Heights with 178 homes).
• Heartland Regional Investment Fund (HRIF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSubsidiary of STL Partnership providing New Markets Tax Credits allocations. Provided $10 million NMTC allocation to CR Metal Products, generating $2.54 million in gross proceeds.
• British AirwayscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational airline announcing seasonal non-stop service between St. Louis Lambert International Airport and London Heathrow beginning April 19, 2026 (4 flights per week). Port Authority led effort to secure the route.
• St. Louis Mosaic ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional initiative within World Trade Center St. Louis and STL Partnership focused on immigration and global talent. Executive Director Suzanne Sierra leads programs with 3,000+ ambassadors and 56 ambassador companies.
• World Trade Center St. LouiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational division of STL Partnership supporting regional businesses with global trade for 30+ years. Executive Director Tim Nowak leads trade missions, delegations, and export assistance.
• American Chamber of Commerce in Bosnia and HerzegovinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational chamber hosting delegation visit to World Trade Center St. Louis. CEO Nedim Hamzic served as panelist during June 2026 delegation meeting with 20+ business leaders.
• Community Impact NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNonprofit development partner selected with Beyond Housing and McBride Homes for Lulu Heights redevelopment to deliver 178 new homes (148 detached, 30 attached single-family homes) on 25.08 acres.
• Beyond HousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHousing development nonprofit partnering with Community Impact Network and McBride Homes for 178-home Lulu Heights project in Wellston.
• McBride HomescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHomebuilder selected for Wellston Lulu Heights development to construct 178 new single-family homes on public land.
• Missouri Department of Economic DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government economic development agency collaborating on BRE initiatives including Zeiss project retention efforts.
• SpireminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUtility company participating in BRE team collaboration for Zeiss project support.
• AmerenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUtility company participating in BRE team collaboration for business retention initiatives.
• St. Louis County WorkforceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce development agency participating in BRE team supporting Zeiss transition to St. Louis area.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• NYC Economic Development Corporation: Large municipal economic development corporation serving New York City. Comparable as a comprehensive EDO offering business finance, real estate, workforce, and international trade services, though at substantially greater scale and geographic reach.
• LA Economic Development Corporation: Public-private partnership EDO serving the Los Angeles region. Comparable as a comprehensive regional EDO delivering business attraction, retention, financing, and international trade services through a multi-division structure similar to STL Partnership.

Regional players

• Indianapolis Economic Development: Regional economic development organization serving the Indianapolis metro. Comparable as a Midwest EDO focused on business attraction, retention, and development financing, often competing with St. Louis for the same corporate relocation opportunities.
• Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce: Regional chamber and economic development organization serving the Kansas City metro. Comparable as a Midwest regional EDO competing for corporate attraction and retention deals within the same geographic footprint and industry mix.

Direct peers

• JobsOhio: State-level private nonprofit economic development corporation serving Ohio. Highly comparable as a state-level EDO with similar financing tools, BRE capabilities, and international trade programming competing for the same Midwest corporate attraction deals.
• Detroit Economic Growth Corporation: Public-private nonprofit economic development organization serving the City of Detroit. Comparable as a Rust Belt urban EDO focused on real estate redevelopment, brownfield cleanup, small business support, and business attraction in a challenged post-industrial metro — a structural analog to STL Partnership's urban core focus.
• Missouri Partnership: State-level public-private economic development organization focused on attracting and expanding businesses in Missouri. Directly comparable to STL Partnership as a state-level EDO operating in the same geography, often collaborating on corporate recruitment deals.
• Chicago Community Development: Comparable municipal-level economic development organization serving Chicago. Similar model in terms of combining business attraction, financing tools (TIF, tax credits), and community investment programs to drive regional economic growth.
• Greater St. Louis, Inc. Regional economic development and chamber of commerce organization serving the St. Louis metro. Directly comparable as a co-located EDO collaborating with STL Partnership on business attraction, retention, and growth initiatives across the same region and customer base.
• St. Louis Development Corporation: City-level economic development organization focused on redevelopment and business growth within the City of St. Louis. Directly comparable as a co-located city-level EDO partnering with STL Partnership on projects like Kinloch revitalization and Wellston housing redevelopment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/stlpartnership
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@stlmosaicproject
• Facebookfacebook.com/STLPartnership
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/1489922

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about St. Louis Economic Development Partnership