Center for Business, Industry & Labor

              www.cbil.org

On Target • On Demand • On Site

Free Internet-Based Resource Debuts to Assist Local Entrepreneurs with New Business Pursuits

We're pleased to announce that St. Louis Community College is part of a brand new web-based resource for entrepreneurs. Located at www.STLSourceLink.com, the new website is connecting a growing network of non-profit resource partners like us that are eager to provide business-building programs and services to help small businesses grow and succeed, while advancing St. Louis' leadership role in entrepreneurship and innovation.

A recent nationwide survey conducted for the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation reveals that 70 percent of registered voters believe the success and health of our economy depends on the success of entrepreneurs. The finding underscores the timeliness of this brand new Internet-based resource locally introduced by Innovate St. Louis and others to assist entrepreneurs in their new business pursuits.

Being included in StLSourceLink's online resource directory and its Resource Navigator allows entrepreneurs to quickly identify us and other sources of assistance, making it easier for us to support those clients that need assistance outside of the core services that we provide. The website offers specialized help in a range of areas, including business planning and training, government procurement, import/export, legal issues, research, life sciences, technology, minority and women's business assistance, permits, regulations and more. In addition, users gain access to a comprehensive directory of written material on entrepreneurial topics. Users can also call a toll-free, daytime call center at 866-870-6500 to connect with representatives who can answer questions and also connect them to local resources.

"When someone wants to start a new business, there's nothing listed in the Yellow Pages under 'entrepreneurship' or 'small business' as places to go for help," said Frank Stokes, CEO of Innovate St. Louis, a founding partner of this initiative. "But the reality is that there are an estimated 100+ business-building organizations in the region that are poised to assist entrepreneurs. The strength of StLSourceLink is that entrepreneurs can use it to easily find those organizations which can best address their current needs--connecting the business owner to the right resource at the right time."

StLSourceLink.com offers its services at no cost to entrepreneurs or to the participating non-profits. This is made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship of Ameren Economic Development Corporation, Edward Jones and the Bickel Family Charitable Foundation, with media support from St. Louis Commerce Magazine and through the support of founding partners, Innovate St. Louis, the Missouri Technology Corporation and the Missouri Small Business & Technology Development Center.

For more information, visit www.stlsourcelink.com or call at 314-444-1154.