Arch Grants to Announce 20 Startup Winners This Friday
New cohort members will receive non-dilutive funding in exchange for a one-year operational commitment to St. Louis.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philanthropy
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Arch Grants will announce its 2026 cohort of 20 startups receiving funding and support on Friday, October 30, 2026. These recipients must commit to operating their businesses in St. Louis for at least one year.
Why it matters
The organization provides non-dilutive capital to startups to stimulate local economic growth and job creation. By requiring a one-year commitment to the city, Arch Grants aims to retain early-stage companies and their capital within the St. Louis region.
Since 2012, Arch Grants has supported 307 startups, which have raised over $970 million in additional investment and created 4,400 jobs. This year, 16 companies will receive direct grant funding, while four will gain access to the organization's network and resources.
The players
Arch Grants
A nonprofit organization that provides non-dilutive funding and resources to startups to drive economic development in St. Louis.
Donald M. Suggs
The namesake of the Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award, which supports Black entrepreneurs.
The details
The program selects recipients through a rigorous multi-stage process that includes staff review, interviews, and a pitch competition. Unlike traditional venture capital, Arch Grants provides funding without requiring entrepreneurs to give up ownership stake in their businesses. The model specifically targets economic development in St. Louis by requiring all awardees to establish and grow their operations within the city for a minimum of one year.
Timeline
2012: Arch Grants was founded.
2021: The Donald M. Suggs Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award was introduced.
2022: The Donald M. Suggs award became a recurring grant.
October 30, 2026: Official announcement of the 2026 recipients.
Market Landscape
This year's cohort continues the pattern established by the 2021 launch of the Donald M. Suggs Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award to prioritize support for Black entrepreneurs. The program remains a key benchmark for non-dilutive startup support in the Midwest.
Early-stage founders should evaluate the non-dilutive capital structure of this program against the requirement to maintain operations in St. Louis for at least one year. Entrepreneurs should monitor the selection process benchmarks to understand what investors in the local ecosystem prioritize.
The takeaway
Operators should track these annual cohorts as a signal for emerging industries and local talent retention trends. Those considering non-dilutive grant applications should review the organization's six-week application cycle and competitive pitch requirements for future funding windows.
Further reading
For more on regional investment models, visit the St. Louis Philanthropy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by St. Louis American.
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