Arch Grants

Up to 45 startups will be chosen to receive $50,000 USD each from this startup accelerator in St. Louis, Missouri. If your startup is selected you can join the fastest-growing startup scene in the USA! Enjoy the low cost of living and one of the world’s ten most beautiful city parks.

March 1 to May 15, 2017 application period for the October session. Follow Lootstrap on Facebook for updates!

Award Amount

  • $50,000 USD

Location

  • St. Louis, Missouri, USA

Length

  • 1 year

Benefits

  • Pro-bono services (legal, accounting, marketing, HR, banking) in over 15 business areas
  • Personal introductions to strategic business and civic leaders
  • Access to angel investment and venture capital networks
  • Discounted office and residential space
  • Talent acquisition/recruiting services
  • Professional and high level business mentorship
  • Social support and community integration services
  • Inclusion into a community of innovative entrepreneurs
  • Visa and permit facilitation for startups from outside the USA

Who Can Apply

  • Startups located in St. Louis or willing to relocate to St. Louis for at least one year
  • Early-stage for-profit businesses
  • Innovative technologies, products, or services in any industry
  • Scalable business model with potential for national or international impact
  • Lifestyle and consulting business are not accepted

Selection Criteria

  • Preference given to startups with MVPs or prototypes
  • Talent, diversity, and valuable qualities of your team

Application Process

  • Written application through your free Fluid Review account
  • Finalist Pitch Day
    • Creative 15-minute pitch video to allow for pre-pitch feedback
    • 15-minute in-person pitch in front of a panel of judges followed by Q&A
    • 20-slide pitch deck
    • At least 2 character references
  • Startup owners (but not employees) must pass a background check

Conditions

  • 18 years or older
  • Have a membership for access to coworking or incubation space in downtown St. Louis
  • A significant portion of the team must live in St. Louis and work full-time on the business
    • At least 51% of the founding team or
    • At least one founder and 51% of the staff
  • Company must be headquartered in St. Louis to receive the grant
  • Dedicate 8 hours per quarter of community service to Arch Grants for the year
  • Be willing to disclose all funding already received or committed
  • Provide ongoing business reports to Arch Grants

Website

As always, this program takes ZERO equity!