FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 12, 2010

As the tough economy continues, 17 new small businesses are incubating in St. Patrick Center’s BEGIN New Venture Center

St. Patrick Center announced today that 17 start-up or emerging small businesses are incubating in its BEGIN New Venture Center (BNVC), creating dynamic opportunities for St. Patrick Center clients and the St. Louis economy. Opened in October 2008, the BEGIN New Venture Center is the nation’s first small business incubator with mission sensitivity to the homeless, meaning that in exchange for business resources, BNVC companies agree to train and/or hire St. Patrick Center clients.

“We have seen significant growth in some of our first companies,” said BNVC Director and long-time incubator expert Jan DeYoung. “We also continue to gain interest from new, innovative entrepreneurs whose business plan corresponds with our overall mission to build permanent, positive change in the lives of St. Patrick Center clients… it’s been a win-win for everyone involved.”

The 17 new small businesses feature a variety of products and services:

A.U. Innovative Land Management, LLC (AUILM) provides high-quality lawn care service, landscape design and ground management to enhance and preserve the value of its client’s real estate assets. Owned by Cathey Allen and Rene Upshaw, AUILM trains St. Patrick Center clients in the field and hires them on a contract basis. Currently, the company has contracts with MO-DOT and sub-contracts with Aramark. AUILM is also a recent recipient of MO-DOT’s state-wide Successful Disadvantaged Business Enterprise award.
view AUILM’s success story video

Mike Martin Media is a video production company that combines the latest technology with creativity and experience. Owner and long-time TV news videographer Mike Martin started the company after losing his job due to the bad economy. The company provides video services to a growing list of organizations, including St. Patrick Center which utilizes Mike Martin Media for all of its agency videos.
read Mike Martin Media’s success story

Replenishing the Earth (RTE) was one of the first companies to join the incubator in October 2008. The company works with food service and construction industries to apply cradle-to-cradle concepts for managing waste via composting and recycling. RTE is currently working with St. Patrick Center’s Project GO! Green employment program to train clients in the waste reduction industry.
view RTE’s success story video

WorkNet, Inc. is one of 1,350 authorized employment networks of the United States Social Security Administration. Their primary responsibility is to assist the SSA in the implementation of its Ticket-to-Work Program which assists individuals with disabilities with finding employment. WorkNet has also recently provided a St. Patrick Center client with a full-time position!
read WorkNet’s success story

And coming soon to a grocery store near you are the following products from BEGIN New Venture Center companies:

Grass Farms & Foods, LLC marries the business savvy of its owner, Corey Grass, with his family’s farming roots in a line of locally-produced, value-added grain products which include whole wheat flour and organic whole wheat cereal. Currently, Grass Farms & Foods’ whole wheat flour is available at the two Whole Foods Markets in St. Louis located in Brentwood and Town and Country.
read Grass Farms & Foods’ success story

Craig & Toni Quality Products have created Millie’s Sweet & Tasty BBQ sauce, which will be available in May at a number of local grocery stores.
NOTE: Due to production issues, Millie’s BBQ Sauce was not distributed to local grocery stores by August 2010. Stay tuned for further details!
view Craig & Toni’s success story video

The remaining 11 companies in the BEGIN New Venture Center include:

CDL Express Truck Rental
Collective Catering
Colortech Painting and Design
Cookie and Brownie, Inc.
Gateway Safety Consultants
Heaven Sent Maintenance & Janitorial Service, LLC
Hollyberry Baking Company
Posh Pop! Gourmet Popcorn
Premiere Graphics & Screen Printing, LLC
Small Bites
Your Business Communications

In addition to the benefits of a professional business location and access to a willing and able workforce of St. Patrick Center clients, companies in the BEGIN New Venture Center receive ongoing business assistance, mentorship, individualized assessment, access to investment capital, networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and links to professional service providers.

The BEGIN New Venture Center is currently accepting applications for entrance into the small business incubator or the BNVC Member Network for socially motivated start-up businesses. For more information, contact Garrett Allen at 314-802-5486 or gallen@BEGINSTL.org. Or visit www.BEGINSTL.org or www.stpatrickcenter.org.

MISSION:
St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to persons who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals achieve permanent, positive changes in their lives through affordable housing, sound mental health, employment and financial stability.

FOR MORE INFO:
Kelly Peach
Senior Director of Communications
St. Patrick Center
Direct Line 314.802.0687
Cell 314.581.7126
kpeach@stpatrickcenter.org

Stephanie Rea
Writer/Producer
St. Patrick Center
314.802.1968
srea@stpatrickcenter.org

read more about the BNVC companies

go to the BNVC web page

go to the BNVC website