Where to Start or Grow Your Business in St. Louis: Meet the BAC and NEEC
Starting or growing a business in St. Louis? Learn where to go for support and the right resources. Through the Business Assistance Center (BAC) and the Northside Economic Empowerment Center (NEEC)—both powered by St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC)—entrepreneurs can access the guidance, tools and resources needed to launch, operate and expand with confidence.
The BAC and NEEC connect business owners to licensing support and technical assistance for growth and strengthening economic opportunity across the city. Whether you’re opening your first storefront, legitimating a side hustle, relocating your company or preparing to grow, the BAC and NEEC are ready to collaborate with St. Louis entrepreneurs.
“You don’t have to have everything figured out to get started,” said Vivial Lopez, NEEC business service specialist. “We’re here to meet you where you are.”
How the BAC and NEEC Work Together
The BAC focuses on helping entrepreneurs understand city requirements, while the NEEC builds on this support and provides the tools, business coaching and connections they need to operate and grow. This relationship helps entrepreneurs move from ideas to legal operation and long-term growth without losing momentum.
“Our work with the BAC is effective and truly inseparable,” said Nicole Dotson, NEEC manager. “We’re able to collectively educate entrepreneurs and ensure their ‘checklist’ is sufficient, helping them build a strong foundation and legitimize their business so they feel confident walking into any opportunity.”
Start with the BAC: Licensing, Permits and City Requirements
Becoming properly licensed and permitted in the City of St. Louis is one of the most critical early steps in starting a business. You may need to obtain:
Building permits
Contractor’s licenses
Home occupation waivers
Occupancy permits
“When entrepreneurs visit our office conveniently located at City Hall, we work one-on-one to understand their business needs and guide them through every step, from applications all the way up to securing their business license from the city,” said Aretha Latimore, BAC manager.
The BAC saves time and reduces confusion around what’s required to legally operate for entrepreneurs of all types, from consultants and contractors to restaurants and home-based business owners.
“Once a business is properly licensed, we work hand-in-hand with the NEEC to help entrepreneurs advance to the next steps, whether that’s SLDC resources, funding opportunities or connecting them with the right people to move their business forward,” Aretha said.
Three Business Assistance Specialists staff the BAC in addition to Aretha.
The NEEC: Business Support Beyond the Paperwork
Located in the William J. Harrison Education Center, the NEEC helps properly established businesses strengthen and grow.
“The NEEC was created to address gaps in education and access to business resources in our community,” Nicole said. “Since opening in 2023, our goal has been to provide business empowerment as well as business capacity to ensure the community knows what they need to not only get started, but to remain sustained and be successful in their entrepreneurial journeys.”
The NEEC empowers entrepreneurs through free in-person and virtual services, including business coaching, technical support, and certification assistance, while streamlining back-office operations and connecting businesses to vital funding opportunities and professional networks.
Workshops facilitated by the NEEC explore topics from financial literacy and cash flow management to QuickBooks, website development and content creation, with sessions led by staff and other experts. Additional partnerships with programs like CertifySTL, PitchSTL and WEPOWER St. Louis help expand access to tools like fundraising support and certification guidance.
“Our workshops offer a range of services that respond directly to what the community is asking for and the areas we know entrepreneurs need most,” Nicole said.
Support continues through the Stacey Fowler Financial Forum, where the NEEC brings together partners like the Small Business Administration and local lenders to connect entrepreneurs to essential grants and financial resources. The forum’s annual pitch competition gives entrepreneurs a platform to present their bold business ideas and compete for funding.
In addition to Nicole and Vivial, administrative assistant Eloise Rowan also staffs the NEEC.
More Ways SLDC Supports Businesses
Beyond the BAC and NEEC, SLDC helps entrepreneurs know where to turn as opportunities and challenges arise through the following:
Financing and funding, including business incentives and growth resources for those starting a business in St. Louis
You Don’t Have to Build Your Business Alone
The biggest surprise for many St. Louis entrepreneurs is that all this support is free. SLDC’s team is ready to work with you, whether you are exploring an idea or planning your next expansion.
“We’re accessible to the community,” Nicole said. “We won’t do the work for you, but we will do the work with you so you’re equipped to truly own your success.”
To get started with the BAC, contact Aretha at latimorea@stlouis-mo.gov or 314-613-7064, or visit in person. Learn more here.
Stop by for a visit to the NEEC or contact Nicole at dotsonn@stlouis-mo.gov or 314-617-0360. Find more information here.