As we all adjust to our new, temporary ways of life and work in the shadow of the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, we want you to know that the BioSTL team remains vigorously engaged (remotely, of course) in building a robust St. Louis innovation ecosystem. That includes actively supporting policy and compiling resources to help startups. A frequently-updated, comprehensive list of resources for the St. Louis region is available on STL Response here.
Congress has now passed three relief packages related to the coronavirus crisis. BioSTL, through its leadership of the national Innovation Advocacy Council (IAC), has been active in these discussions, especially to ensure that startups and entrepreneurs are covered and that relief programs adequately support the needs of early-stage, innovation-based businesses.To date, federal stimulus activities have focused largely on liquidity in the economy and interventions that stem the immediate tide of unemployment. Congress’ most recent package – the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act – included a number of provisions to pump financial resources into the accounts of individuals, families, and small businesses. More on the package can be found here, from our partners at SSTI.
Beyond the immediate relief already passed, BioSTL and the IAC have been advocating for programs that would bring more direct and sustained support to emerging, innovation-based companies. While proposals like new investment programs, expansion of SBIR/STTR, and funding to a wider array of technical assistance providers were introduced in the last two weeks, they were deferred ultimately to possible, future legislative packages, which Congress may consider in the next month or so.
Find additional information and resources for small businesses here.
Our partners at MOSourceLink are offering business help through its hotline, 866-870-6500, or online to help you stay informed, safe, and sane.
The St. Louis Regional Chamber requests your help responding to its common business impact survey. The qualitative and quantitative data collected from this survey will be used to inform strategic community response to COVID-19’s effect on area businesses; it is imperative that the voices and experiences of our entrepreneurship community are captured in this survey. Companies need only to complete it once.
STEMSTL, stood up by BioSTL, is a collaborative consortium committed to equitable access to high-quality STEM learning for all students from birth through college and career.
In order to support families in the St. Louis region staying at home for an extended period of time, STEMSTL has compiled online educational STEM-related resources to ensure continued learning.
The St. Louis Equity in Entrepreneurship Collective, stood up by BioSTL, is an intentional effort of regional entrepreneur support organizations, investors, funders and company founders working to ensure that systems built to support new entrepreneurs operate equitably, especially related to race and gender.
The Collective has put together a list of low/no cost resources to help small businesses, startups, and non-profits transition to a virtual setup to promote maximum efficiency while working remotely.
The Collective also has shared this list of financial resources for small businesses.
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