From the Driver’s Seat to Business Owner: How the NEEC Helped Kashita Webb Launch True Blue
With support from the Northside Economic Empowerment Center (NEEC), Kashita Webb turned her vision of starting a contracting and construction business into reality, gaining the guidance and resources needed to navigate challenges.
When Kashita Webb began driving a ready-mix concrete truck three years ago, she didn’t expect it would lead her to start her own contracting and construction company. But spending her days delivering to job sites proved to be life changing.
“I’ve always found it very interesting to watch projects get built from the ground up,” Kashita said.
That curiosity turned into action during a delivery when she struck up a conversation with a construction worker. After hearing her questions and enthusiasm, he encouraged her to consider launching a company. Kashita brought the idea to her friend, Anthony Blue Sr., and in January 2024, True Blue Contracting & Construction (True Blue) was born.
Building True Blue from the Ground Up
Today, True Blue offers a range of services, including renovations, roofing, exterior restoration, rental turnover work, and code compliance projects. From the beginning, Kashita and Anthony have focused on delivering reliable results.
“We prioritize quality work over quantity,” Kashita said. “We take pride in doing things the right way—no shortcuts.”
Just as important as the work itself is the difference they hope to make.
“I want to have a positive impact on my St. Louis City community,” Kashita said. “Aside from running a business that people can count on, I want to be able to create jobs.”
Finding the Right Support
Like many first-time business owners, Kashita quickly realized she needed guidance to navigate the process of getting started.
“I knew how to do certain things, like registering our name and getting an employer identification number, but there were areas where I got stuck,” she said.
A recommendation from a friend led her to the Northside Economic Empowerment Center (NEEC). Powered by St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), the NEEC is a resource designed to help St. Louis City entrepreneurs build, grow and sustain their businesses through training, technical assistance and workforce development.
While researching the NEEC, Kashita recognized a familiar face: Nicole Dotson, the center’s manager and a former client from Kashita’s days as a nail technician. She reached out immediately.
“I gave Nicole a call, and that same day I went to one of their programs,” Kashita said. “It was very informative, and I walked away with a checklist of everything I needed to do to ‘legitimize my hustle,’ which is something Nicole always says.”
From left: Nicole Dotson, Vivial Lopez, Kashita Webb and Eloise Rowan at the Northside Economic Empowerment Center
Turning Guidance into Momentum
With support from the NEEC, Kashita began working through the steps needed to formally establish and grow her business. One of the biggest hurdles was securing a Home Occupation Waiver, which allows a business to operate out of a residence under certain conditions. SLDC’s Business Assistance Center, which facilitates the licensing and permitting of businesses in the City of St. Louis, helped Kashita obtain her Home Occupation Waiver and business license.
“That was the longest process for me,” she said. “But once we got over that hump, everything started to flow and we got our first projects.”
Since then, Kashita has continued to attend NEEC workshops, building skills in areas like business planning and social media marketing. The impact has extended beyond operations and into visibility.
“I shared a video on TikTok about the NEEC and how it’s helped my business, and it’s my most popular post,” she said.
That growing momentum has been reinforced by strong relationships within the NEEC network, including support from Business Service Specialist Vivial Lopez.
“Even when she didn’t see me in person, Vivial would check in on my progress and send me information she thought would be helpful,” Kashita said. “I appreciate the way she pushes me to get to the next step.”
Building Toward the Future
Kashita is now focused on the next phase of growth for True Blue. She is working toward a minority- and women-owned business certification, which will open the door to additional opportunities, including city-supported projects.
Looking ahead, she plans to move the business into a commercial space and build her own full-time construction crew. She is especially passionate about creating opportunities for other women to enter the industry.
“A lot of women have reached out to me on TikTok asking how I got started,” Kashita said. “I didn’t realize how many were interested. I like being a source of inspiration to others.”
To learn more about True Blue, follow the company on Instagram or call 636-206-6302 or 636-206-6393 for a free quote. Receive in-person training and support at the NEEC located in the William J. Harrison Education Center at 3140 Cass Ave., St. Louis, MO 63106.