Business Assistance, Incentives, and Promotion

Services and Information

• About the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)
  Brief overview of the St. Louis Development Corporation, its boards, mission, objectives and strategies
• Area Business incubators and Business Development Resources
  List of additional organizations offering technical business development services to start-ups and small businesses.
• Brownfields Cleanup Fund
  The St. Louis Brownfields Cleanup Fund provides low-interest loans for property cleanup costs to qualified projects.
• Brownfields Program
  The purpose of the St. Louis Brownfield Program is to return underutilized and contaminated sites back to productive use.
• Business Assistance Center Services
  Read more about the steps BAC can assist you with when opening a business in the City of St. Louis.
• Business Associations and Community Partners
  Links to Business Associations serving the City of St. Louis.
• Business Development
  The Business Development Department facilitates the expansion and retention of businesses of all sizes in the City of St. Louis.
• Business Development Contacts
  Your primary contacts for Business Development in the City of St. Louis
• Business Development Financing
  Links to tax incentives, bonds, and loan programs available through the City of St. Louis.
• Business Development Services
  A list of business resources designed to help you start, relocate, or grow your business in the City of St. Louis.
• Business Site Selection
  Site Selection assists businesses in selecting office and industrial buildings and vacant land sites within the City of St. Louis.
• Clean Energy Development Board
  Provides access to financing for residential and commercial property energy efficiency and renewable energy projects through Property Assessed Clean Energy ("PACE") programs.
• Fiscal Required Documentations
  Fiscal's List Required Documentations for Requesting Reimbursements.
• Neighborhood Commercial District Improvement Program (NCDI)
  The NCDI program works to stabilize and revitalize commercial business districts and assists small businesses that serves these neighborhoods.
• Retail Development Assistance
  Retail Development Assistance promotes neighborhood retail development by helping retailers and developers serve a community's needs.
• SLATE
  St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment
• St. Louis City - Small Business Grant Fund
  This program is complete.
• Tax Increment Financing (TIF)
  Description of the City's Tax Increment Financing incentive program, list of related projects, and data on TIF districts
• Tax Increment Financing Commission
  The Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission oversees the establishment of TIF districts and makes recommendations to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen on projects seeking TIF.
• The St. Louis Local Development Company
  The St. Louis Local Development Company (LDC) provides loans through federal, state, and local programs to the small business community in the City.
• The St. Louis Local Development Company Meeting Materials
  Meeting materials pertaining to the activities of the St. Louis Local Development Company (LDC)

Downloadable Forms

• Application for Bond Financing Revised June 9, 2016
  Application for Bond Financing Revised June 9, 2016 - Fillable PDF Form
• Enhanced Enterprise Zone Application
  Application for tax abatement under the Enhanced Enterprise Zone program.
• LDC Commercial Loan Application
  Guidelines and application for a low interest, subordinated loan to small businesses for working capital needs and the purchase of equipment, inventory, and real estate
• Motorized Food Truck Vending Application
  Download a copy of the mobile vendor application
• Operating Agency Activity Summary Sheet
  Operating Agency Activity Summary Sheet
• Tax Abatement Application
  Chapter 99 Redevelopment Process
• Tax Increment Financing Application
  Summary of the Tax Increment Financing incentive and TIF application.

Maps and GIS

• St. Louis City Opportunity Zone Map
  Opportunity Zone Areas in the City of St. Louis and its census tracts

External Resources

• Carondelet Community Betterment Federation
  Carondelet Community Betterment Federation, Inc. (CCBF) strives to identify and improve the basic social, economic and educational needs of Carondelet through community outreach and collaborative efforts with various organizations.
• Central Patrol Business Association
  The Central Patrol Business Association supports cooperation between law enforcement and the business owners who represent the cornerstone for safe, vibrant, and thriving neighborhoods of the 3rd and 4th Police Districts.
• Central West End Association
  The Central West End Association has connected the community since 1958. They serve as a resource for residents, visitors, and the institutions that call the Central West End home.
• Central West End North Community Improvement District
  The Central West End North Community Improvement District (NCID) was formed in 2010 to enhance the district and the businesses it represents through a combination of physical improvements and promotional activities. Activities of the NCID are made financially possible through a 1 percent retail sales tax within the district, situated along the North Euclid commercial corridor from Lindell to Washington.
• Cherokee / Lemp Special Business District
  Cherokee / Lemp Special Business District collects revenue from special assessments and business license fees to serve Cherokee Street from Indiana to DeMenil Place.
• Cherokee Antique Row Business Association
  Cherokee Antique Row Business Association supports merchants along Cherokee Street from Lemp to Jefferson.
• Cherokee Street Community Improvement District
  The Cherokee Street Community Improvement District (CID) was established in 2017 to advance the economic, social and cultural interests of the Cherokee Street community, between Gravois and Indiana Avenues. We work to achieve this mission by supporting a diverse, independent business community, creating beautiful, safe and active public spaces, and fostering a culture of creativity and empowerment in and around Cherokee Street.
• Delmar Commercial Committee
  The Delmar Commercial Committee is a subcommittee to the Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council (SDCC). It supports businesses along the Delmar commercial corridor in the Skinker, DeBaliviere, and West End neighborhoods.
• Dogtown Business Merchants Association
  Home of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Dogtown is a unique neighborhood with restaurants, pubs and distinctive shopping venues. The Dogtown Business Merchants Association primarily facilitates the development of the Clayton-Tamm commercial district by facilitating events and marketing the district.
• Downtown Dutchtown Business Association (DT2)
  The Downtown Dutchtown Business Association (DT2) has three main objectives: retain and develop current businesses; attract appropriate new businesses; and increase property values. DT2 supports Dutchtown businesses with resources for urban renewal, including façade improvement assistance, administering business loans specifically designated for Dutchtown businesses, and serving as a go-between for businesses navigating city government.
• Dutchtown South Community Corporation
  Dutchtown South Community Corporation advances neighborhood vitality through community empowerment, housing stabilization, and real estate development.
• Forest Park South Business Association
  The Forest Park South Business Association is a membership organization created to advance the mutual interests of commercial establishments within the area bounded by Hampton on the west, 39th on the east, Forest Park Avenue on the north and Interstate 44 on the south. The Forest Park South Business Association works to: serve as a representative for businesses in community planning and improvement projects; plan future growth and development of the district; support and fund community events; serve as an advocate for members; encourage fellowship among business owners; and assist various charity work.
• Grand Center
  The Grand Center district is a hub of art and cultural institutions in St. Louis. Grand Center, Inc. is a non-profit that facilitates the growth and development of the district through planning initiatives and events.
• Hampton-Chippewa Business Association
  The Hampton-Chippewa Business Association strives to maintain a strong, cohesive and viable business community. They promote and organize events that educate the general public regarding the advantages of living, working, and doing business in the area.
• Kingsway Merchants' Association
  The Kingsway Merchant's Association (KMA) has been working since 1983 to support and improve the business vitality in the Kingsway Business District, one of the City's largest districts. The KMA is comprised of member businesses and other concerned residents, who are all working together for the continued support of the business community by attracting and retaining businesses and promoting events.
• Lafayette Square Business Association
  The Lafayette Square Business Association represents an eclectic mix of small businesses working together to promote healthy local commerce. They strive to create an engaging destination for residents and visitors alike in this urban oasis.
• Locust Business District
  Incorporated in 1982 as a special tax district, the Locust Business District has expanded its objective of stimulating community morale and facilitating economic growth through the accommodation of emerging commercial markets.
• Macklind Business District
  The Macklind Business District (MBD) offers unique local services to the Southampton community. The MBD promotes and maintains their unique mix of home-grown, local businesses along Macklind Avenue with events and beautification projects.
• Old North St. Louis Restoration Group
  Old North St. Louis Restoration Group (ONSLRG) is a diverse, up-and-coming neighborhood featuring the Crown Square Business Corridor and some of the city's most elegant vernacular architecture. Priding themselves on their rich history, as well as their exciting future, ONSLRG seeks to attract independent businesses to their newly developed mainstreet.
• Revitalization of Baden Association
  The Baden Business Association advances the general welfare and prosperity of the business district which includes the area within the intersections of Switzer & Baden, Switzer & N. Broadway, Riverview & N. Broadway, and Hall & Riverview.
• Second District Police Business Association
  SDPBA is a coalition of businesses and the St. Louis Police Department created to foster a safe environment for businesses and residents in the Second district.
• Soulard Business Association
  Soulard or "the Island" is St. Louis' oldest neighborhood and boosts one of the largest Mardi Gras celebrations in the world; Soulard features diverse shops, restaurants and bars. The Soulard Business Association supports and promotes the surrounding historic neighborhood through a variety of special events, public improvements and marketing campaigns.
• South Grand Community Improvement District
  The South Grand District is a hub of the St. Louis international community and offers a variety of ethnic restaurants, small shops and bars. The South Grand Community Improvement District (CID) enhances the community by promoting safety, cleanliness, commercial tenant retention, and infrastructure improvements.
• St. Louis Opportunity Zone External Website
  Learn about Opportunity Zone incentives, find projects to invest in or submit a project.
• The Grove Community Improvement District
  Centrally located in Forest Park Southeast, The Grove business district stretches nearly one-mile along Manchester Avenue between Kingshighway and Vandeventer. The Grove Community Improvement District (CID) was established in 2009 by property owners committed to improving the area’s safety and appearance, with the goal of strengthening and fostering an active business, entertainment, and residential community.
• The Hill Business Association
  The Hill Business Association (HBA)serves to promote the internationally known Italian neighborhood of St. Louis. The HBA sponsors events that attract visitors, and in the process, promotes the business community of the Hill, which has grown to include unique specialty retail and restaurants.
• Tower Grove Business Association
  The Tower Grove Business Association (TGBA) has a variety of retail shops, restaurants and services along Morganford and nearby commercial corridors such as Tower Grove and Shaw. The TGBA promotes area businesses through unique events and efforts to attract and retain businesses.

See Also