Apply by March 6 | Selections will be made March 15
Do you have a business idea and don’t know where to start? Have you started but need help to grow?
Biz Smart Start is an 11-week program for North County residents ready to take their business idea to the next level. Industry experts Arriel Biggs of Young Biz Kidz and Cortez Springer of Local Biz Marketing Pros provide one-to-one support as you build a solid business plan—and more. Participants will also learn from guest speaker Nancy Jordan of Biz By Faith who will help you understand sales and budgeting strategies. We’ll cover everything you need to know to leave with a solid business plan and so much more.
Sessions will be held Wednesday evenings at Beyond Housing from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, April 22 through June 24, 2026.
Every founder who is selected to participate in the program will receive $1,000 cash – with an opportunity to win up to $4,000 more in an exciting Shark Tank style pitch competition during the final session.
- 1st Place – $4,000
- 2nd Place – $3,000
- 3rd Place – $2,000
Biz Smart Start will help you:
- Validate your business idea
- Define your value proposition
- Identify your customer segments
- Outline your pricing
- Learn to confidently pitch your venture
Program features:
- Expert coaching: Industry experts Arriel Biggs of Young Biz Kidz and Cortez Springer of Local Biz Marketing Pros lead weekly sessions and provide one-to-one support individualized for each Founder
- Guest speaker Nancy Jordan of Biz by Faith will help you understand sales and budgeting strategies
- High-impact learning: 10 weeks of curriculum cover all the areas needed to put together a business plan
Other perks include:
- In-kind awards provided during program
- Dinner & networking at every weekly meeting
- Free childcare provided at every weekly meeting
- Connections to local resources
You must be a start up founder in any industry and live in North St. Louis County to apply
We’re sorry, applications have closed.