The Saint Louis Business Development Fund (SLBDF) is a for-profit corporation that serves the entire St. Louis region. SLBDF is owned by 27 banks and the three largest economic development agencies in the region.  A complete list of the shareholders is provided under the "Shareholders" tab on this website.

Since it's establishment in 1994, SLBDF has funded a wide variety of companies including a medical instruments manufacturer, hazardous waste management company, printing companies, health agencies, steel fabricators, engineering companies and medical software companies, to name a few.  SLBDF has also financed a number of leveraged buy-outs.

The Saint Louis Business Development Fund is committed to providing investments in businesses located within the St. Louis region and demonstrate the desire and ability to grow, but are unable to obtain the required capital to do so from conventional sources.

Our specialty is making investments in companies without taking any ownership.

Many growing companies have an ongoing need for capital but once they reach their lending limit with their bank.  Other sources of capital may include personal credit cards, venture capital, or an equity partner.  The latter two options typically require giving up some ownership of the company.

The Saint Louis Business Development Fund provides a unique alternative - investment without ownership.  Further, SLBDF's investment is almost always subordinate to bank financing.

SLBDF's pricing structure reflects the risk associated with the investment as well as the value it provides to our client company.  For more information on pricing, please refer to the "Program Description" page on this site.