On July 15, 2024, the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis proudly unveiled its Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center, marking a milestone in its mission to empower local entrepreneurs. The center, housed in a beautifully renovated 1920s-era building at 4401 Natural Bridge Avenue, is a beacon of opportunity for women and minority entrepreneurs across the region.
A Legacy of Empowerment
The Women’s Business Center’s history dates back to 1999 when it was founded as an economic development initiative of the Grace Hill Settlement House. In 2020, after Grace Hill and the Urban League merged, this pivotal program became part of the Urban League’s comprehensive services. Since its inception, the center has supported over 1,000 women, offering advocacy, education, and resources to help them achieve their entrepreneurial dreams.
Maureen E. Brinkley, SBA regional director and a key figure in the center’s early days, emphasized the center’s transformative potential at the grand opening. “This building sets us apart as a catalyst to create a safe space for women as they cultivate their journey to be successful entrepreneurs,” she shared.
Building Dreams in North St. Louis
Located in the heart of north St. Louis, the center represents a significant investment in the community. The building, a former Commerce Bank branch, was donated by the bank in 2022 and refurbished through a $650,000 renovation, partially funded by Commerce Bank. The facility has advanced technology, modern security systems, and spaces that foster learning, collaboration, and growth.
Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, highlighted the center’s role in revitalizing the local economy. “This center will help people take businesses out of their homes, hire more people, and build the backbone of the St. Louis region’s economy, especially in Black and brown communities.”
Bridging the Gap for Small Business Owners
The center’s mission is deeply rooted in addressing inequities faced by socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs. Its programs, including the Black Women in Retail Accelerator and other training initiatives, are designed to help minority business owners secure funding, expand their operations, and create sustainable jobs.
Dr. Aleta Grimes Mitchell, director of the Urban League’s Center for Entrepreneurship, echoed these goals, citing the words of National Urban League President Marc Morial: “Black entrepreneurs have been locked out and shut out. There is a gap. We must close that gap.” She affirmed the center’s readiness to meet these challenges head-on: “We are ready to rock and roll.”
“Black entrepreneurs have been locked out and shut out. There is a gap. We must close that gap.”
Marc Morial, President, National Urban League
A Vision for the Future
The center is one of 13 National Urban League Entrepreneurship Centers and a key part of a larger vision to stimulate economic growth in St. Louis.
Join the Movement
The Urban League’s Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center is more than just a building; it’s a promise to the community. It’s a space where dreams are nurtured and businesses are built. As State Senator Karla May aptly put it, the center is poised to become “a huge incubator—where we create millionaires and billionaires to invest in this community.”
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a community advocate, or a business leader, there’s a role for everyone in this journey. Visit Urban League’s website to explore how you can get involved, support the center, or take advantage of its programs.
Together, we can turn aspirations into achievements and build a brighter future.
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