Sprout is a small business accelerator devoted to growing and developing innovative ventures that will improve Downtown St. Louis and contribute to the economic health of the region. We seek to cultivate a collaborative environment that encourages creativity, diversity, and sustainability in efforts to grow and energize the city.
Sprout seeks to help facilitate small business development in Downtown St. Louis and begin to fill empty real estate space with creative enterprises. Sprout believes that by providing a open and collaborative space for entrepreneurs, a new population of people living, working, and socializing in Downtown St. Louis will materialize.
Similar to the emerging business paradigm, participants in Sprout operate from a team-based model. This means that every member within the organization is an equal member of the team and is equally as committed to the successes of the organization and to each other. Each participant in Sprout is actively involved, supports the other members, respects all participants and their ideas, and enjoys the process of starting a small business.
A significant amount of funding is needed to implement Sprout. Money is needed for building and space build out, potential salary of the management team, and marketing materials. The three most efficient avenues towards achieving the allotted overhead amount is through tax credits, angel investor networks, and community partnerships.
In order for Sprout to be successful, populations of funders, existing entrepreneurs, and aspiring entrepreneurs need to be attracted. Each population is unique and should be approached in a different way. The following are three characteristics that make Sprout unique and attractive to the varying entities of Sprout:
Sprout is still very much in development, but if you have questions or would like to get involved please contact us:
Nate Forst & Jay Swoboda with EcoUrban