Come speak to and learn from the UMSL DEI Accelerate team. Their goal is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the St. Louis startup ecosystem by empowering diverse founders from underrepresented communities. They believe that empowerment begins with capital, followed by instruction and mentorship. They succeed by:

• Providing non-dilutive capital to underestimated startup founders;
• Leading a best-in-class business development program that facilitates access to networks, mentors, subject matter experts, and customized educational support; and
• Leveraging the University of Missouri – St. Louis resources such as paid student interns, active alumni, and engaged faculty to amplify startups with further research, grant applications, and guidance.

UMSL Accelerate envisions a Greater St. Louis where ALL entrepreneurs have equal access to developing and growing businesses, resulting in job growth, wealth creation, and community improvement throughout the region. Applications are now open for the third Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Accelerator which will select up to six underrepresented Founders to receive $50,000 in non-dilutive capital and participate in an 8-week, best-in-class business development program. Visit https://www.umsl.edu/accelerate/dei-details/index.html to learn more.