The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has joined forces with Walmart in an innovative three-year partnership designed to uplift and expand Black women-owned businesses. Announced on April 20, 2023, this groundbreaking collaboration aims to provide women entrepreneurs with the tools and resources they need to thrive in retail and beyond.
Transforming St. Louis into a Hub for Economic Growth
“St. Louis can be the Atlanta of the Midwest,” said Michael McMillan, President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, during a press conference. “Having significant thriving businesses that provide employment, give back to the community, and make a difference—while stimulating economic growth in the St. Louis region—is essential.”
This partnership underscores the Urban League’s commitment to promoting, developing, and sustaining Black-owned businesses as a cornerstone of its mission. By providing access to Walmart’s extensive retail platform, this initiative has the potential to create lasting economic impact and foster generational wealth.
A First-of-Its-Kind Program
The program, which began its inaugural classes in 2023, is part of a national Urban League initiative to empower entrepreneurs in cities like Atlanta, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. This marks the first collaboration for the Urban League of St. Louis.
The 12-month accelerated program, which concludes with a graduation ceremony, focuses on leadership development and retail readiness. Classes are taught by a combination of local business owners and industry experts and are offered both in person and virtually at the Urban League campus.
Participants are required to have been in business for at least two years. The first-year cohort includes 15 entrepreneurs, and Walmart plans to feature products from 30 program participants on its shelves over the three-year partnership. Even for businesses that don’t land in Walmart stores, the program equips entrepreneurs with critical skills to scale and secure opportunities with other retailers.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” said Dr. Aleta Grimes Mitchell, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.
“Having significant thriving businesses that provide employment, give back to the community, and make a difference—while stimulating economic growth in the St. Louis region—is essential.”
Michael McMillan, President and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis
Building Generational Wealth and Visibility
Nicole Bailey, owner of Pearlie’s Pickles, expressed her excitement about the program’s potential to help her business grow. “Entrepreneurship is important today in most African American households. We need to pass along the family business to create generational wealth,” Bailey shared.
Similarly, Monica Hampton, owner of Wall Street Company in the St. Louis Galleria Mall, sees this as a chance to gain exposure. “I’m excited about this opportunity to have a chance to have my merchandise in Walmart,” she said. “This means more visibility for the products that I have.”
A Ripple Effect of Empowerment
Grimes emphasized the broader implications of this partnership, describing it as a catalyst for community transformation. By supporting small businesses, the program aims to create jobs, reduce crime, and inspire other corporations to step up.
“We want to help Black women business owners accelerate their business,” Grimes said. “This partnership will create a positive ripple effect, empowering local entrepreneurs and building a more resilient community.”
A Call to Action
The Urban League and Walmart’s partnership represents more than an investment in businesses—it’s an investment in the future of St. Louis. Programs like this have the power to reshape communities and inspire other corporations to follow suit.
Aspiring entrepreneurs, supporters, and community members are encouraged to get involved and support this transformative effort. Visit Urban League’s website to learn more about the program and how you can contribute to empowering local businesses.
Together, we can create a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in St. Louis and beyond.
Read the original news article here.