Beyond Housing
Big Ideas. Stronger Businesses. Greater Impact.
At VP Saint Louis, community impact means putting our experience, expertise and professional networks to work for the people and organizations helping move St. Louis forward.
That’s why we’re proud to partner with Beyond Housing and support its Biz Smart Start program, an 11-week entrepreneurial development program helping emerging business owners build the skills, confidence and connections they need to grow.
VP members had the opportunity to engage with this year’s cohort, sharing business knowledge, professional experience and connections with entrepreneurs who are turning ideas into businesses and businesses into opportunity. It’s a chance to see firsthand what happens when people have access to the right resources, guidance and support.
Nine founders completed Cohort 4, committing nearly 100% of the time they had together. Over 11 weeks, they worked through everything from customer development and pricing to marketing, financial management, cash flow and pitching their businesses.
They also received meaningful resources to help put their learning into action, including $1,000 in non-dilutive capital, technology, business materials and continued coaching and education through Beyond Housing’s partners.
And the early results are tangible. Since participating in Biz Smart Start, founders have collectively reported a 40% increase in business revenue and a 30% increase in new clients and contracts.
For VP members, being part of this work is an opportunity to connect beyond our own circles and invest our time, relationships and expertise in people building something of their own.
That’s what community impact looks like to us: sharing what we know, making connections and helping create opportunities that extend far beyond a single program.
A new partnership with Maryville University added college-level business coursework and weekly assignments, with continued educational support for 120 days after graduation.
And the support went beyond the classroom.
Each founder received $1,000 in non-dilutive capital, an iPad and accessories, and a professionally branded business banner. Through the iHustle platform, graduates also have continued access to training, resources and coaching.
Just as importantly, the program created a community. Shared meals, peer collaboration and hands-on coaching gave founders the opportunity to learn from one another while building relationships that can continue well beyond the program.
The early results are encouraging. Since participating in Biz Smart Start, founders have collectively reported a 40% increase in business revenue and a 30% increase in new clients and contracts.
“My work with Beyond Housing’s Biz Smart Start program has been especially meaningful because I’ve experienced it from both sides—as an entrepreneur and first-place winner, and later as the program’s Director. I experienced firsthand how business education, coaching, resources, accountability, and access to capital can strengthen a business. As Director, I used that experience to help other entrepreneurs gain confidence, develop sustainable business strategies, and turn their ideas into actionable plans. Seeing participants grow from uncertainty to greater clarity, increased revenue, and new opportunities has been incredibly rewarding. These outcomes reflect Beyond Housing and VP CIF’s commitment to recognizing entrepreneurship as a vital part of building stronger communities.”
— Kimberly L. Adeyinka