Brand Foundation

Our goal is to strengthen our existing entrepreneurship ecosystems to become more racially diverse, inclusive, and equitable in the distribution of resources supporting startups and small businesses. Established in 2016, BRAND Foundation is the nonprofit sister arm of BRAND of St. Louis, a consulting firm that specializes in local data-informed community engagement and entrepreneur support strategies that promote racial equity. BRAND Foundation provides support to stabilize Black-led small businesses and startups so that they can focus on and continuously improve their business strategy and growth.

BRAND Foundation currently manages a Scholarship Fund created to increase the number of Black entrepreneurs connecting to the resources they need to start and grow a business in St. Louis. The fund provides annual scholarships for entrepreneurs to enroll in the Startup League Rewards Program at little to no cost and gain access to business advisory services and office hours with industry professionals and funders. The program also connects entrepreneurs to technical assistance providers in the St. Louis region and provides mini-grants as the entrepreneur achieves key milestones with the technical assistance providers.