Winners Named in St. Louis County Library Small Business Launchpad

Ayers among judges, Mulvihill facilitated during program

St. Louis County Library recently held its Small Business Launchpad, an 8-week entrepreneurship program designed for formerly incarcerated individuals who are interested in starting or growing a small business. At the conclusion of the program, participants pitch their business ideas for an opportunity to receive startup funding. Josh Ayers, chief financial officer of St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (STL Partnership), was among the judges who determined the top three projects.

Carla Hundley won first place for her anime apparel business plan for both licensed- and custom-anime on high-quality products and family orientated options. Antwonette Hilliard finished second for her health care business plan that focused on an under-served mental health population that better aligned and partnered with primary care physicians. In third place was Codey Bergmann, whose lawn-care business plan examined neighborhood density and subscription-based methods to market and serve residents.

Launched in 2023, Small Business Launchpad supports aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage business owners with prior state or federal convictions build practical business skills. Colleen Mulvihill, small business development manager at STL Partnership and Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business counselor, presented to the Launchpad cohort on business modeling and planning. STL Partnership, SBDC and St. Louis County Library collaborate to bring resources to the cohort, present content to the group and offers one-on-one coaching to all participants.

The Small Business Launchpad is sponsored by the Clark Family and the St. Louis County Port Authority.