Supporting, expanding, and shaping entrepreneurship in the St. Louis region and beyond.
Local Impact
BALSA has contributed to larger initiatives throughout Missouri to improve entrepreneurial resources and boost innovation. In 2017, BALSA consulted for the Missouri Governor’s Innovation Task Force which examined the state’s current level of innovation and entrepreneurship and proposed ways to enhance them. As a result of BALSA’s research and recommendations, Missouri is implementing initiatives to reduce regulations for startups, improve entrepreneurial infrastructure and funding opportunities, and recruit and retain talent in Missouri.
National Impact
The BALSA Group was the first consulting organization of its kind, dedicated to preparing Ph.D. students and postdocs for careers beyond academia. It has since inspired additional consulting groups in other cities across the United States such as miLEAD in Ann Arbor, Michigan and Forth River Solutions in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
BALSA has been featured by Nature and Science for its innovative business model and success. In addition, BALSA published a 2013 Nature Biotechnology piece describing the gaps in academic training that motivated its creation and its ongoing efforts to change university culture surrounding non-academic careers for PhDs. The article was the journal’s most read paper that year and has been cited over 80 times.
Select publications:
BALSA's paper in Nature Biotechnology (2013), Feature articles in Science (2012, 2017)
Empowering First-Time Entrepreneurs through The BALSA Foundation
In 2013, BALSA alumni and St. Louis community members founded the philanthropic branch of the organization, The BALSA Foundation. The mission of the Foundation is to promote social equity and prosperity in the St. Louis region by empowering first-time entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. In addition to The BALSA Grant, they fulfill this mission by providing services to help first time entrepreneurs create, improve, and launch their businesses: The Entrepreneur's Roadmap and Idea Support.
The BALSA Grant
To date, BALSA has donated over $120,000 to The BALSA Foundation which has helped fund 120 first-time entrepreneurs in the St. Louis region. This funding opportunity empowers first-time entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses. Applicants submit proposals that are reviewed by The Foundation. Ten BALSA Grant finalists are then selected to receive $1,000 in seed funding, working space, and professional services such as legal counseling, accounting and marketing. Additionally, they are offered a series of workshops and mentoring to help propel their businesses. The BALSA Grant is a biannual event funded by donations from The BALSA Group.
$120,000+ dollars donated
120+ entrepreneurs impacted
6+ years serving communities