The Central Region Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC) hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Cortex Innovation Center in St. Louis, with local leadership in attendance. This event marked a significant step towards fostering economic development and inclusivity in the region.
Cortex, a hub for innovation in St. Louis City, aims to drive economic growth for the region. Among the distinguished speakers at the event were U.S. Representative Cori Bush, St. Louis County Councilwoman Shalonda Webb, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership CEO & President Rodney Crim, and Chairman, President, and CEO of St. Louis Development Corporation Neil Richardson. They shared their insights on how to support small businesses and promote economic growth in the region.
The Central Region SBTRC offers services to disadvantaged business enterprises and small businesses in the civil transportation industry in Missouri and surrounding states like Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, and Mississippi. This includes providing support to minority and women-owned businesses through partnerships with organizations such as the Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC). WBDC operates the Central Region SBTRC in partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Utilization.
The ribbon cutting ceremony was followed by a luncheon that celebrated the opening of the new SBTRC office in Cortex and highlighted the important work being done to assist small businesses in the region. The event brought together leaders from various sectors of society to promote economic development and inclusivity for all members of society.
Overall, this event underscored how crucial it is for local leaders to come together to support small businesses and foster economic growth in their communities. With continued collaboration between government agencies, private sector partners, nonprofit organizations, and community members alike, we can create thriving economies that benefit everyone involved.
In conclusion