The BALSA Learning Series
The learning series is a 10 week comprehensive entrepreneur training program that helps participants realize their potential, introduces them to the St. Louis business ecosystem and brings them industry experts every week that also includes one on one time with each presenter after the session.
Week 1
Learn about the BALSA Foundation. Settle in and learn our expectations, our timelines, and participate in a group activity. This is also the date you receive your check!
Presenters:
Gabriela Ramírez-Arellano - Executive Director
Junior Lara - Business Director
Week 2
Learn about branding and creating a logo that represents your business/Marketing.
Past Presenters:
Ryan Farrar/Joseph Lucido - Clear to Launch
Chris Holt - Tech Artista
Suzanne Sierra - Sierra Communications
Valeria Rodriguez - Shine in All Shades
Week 3
Building a website that makes a difference for your company.
Past Presenters:
Mark Katerberg - Slalom Consulting
Tim Williams - Community Partners
Week 4
Law contracts and legal basics. Patents, Trademarks, & Copyrights
Past Presenters:
Allison Krepel - Polsinelli Law
Mike Labozzetta - Faro Law
Week 5
Research basics & library resources.
Past Presenters:
Mel Lambert - St. Louis County Library
Michelle Sawicki - St. Louis County Library
Week 6
Access to capital and funding discussions.
Past Presenters:
Kevin Brooks - CIBC
Ben Feimer - Justine PETERSEN
Maximilianah Zales - Small Business Majority
Week 8
The Unofficial Official Business Partner/St. Louis Resources & Networking
Past Presenters:
Tom Cohen - Nanopore Diagnostics, LLC
Mark Denk - St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Lakesha Mathis - St. Louis Regional Business Chamber
Christy Maxfield - Cortex Innovation Community
Week 9
Accounting for your Business/Small Business & Personal Credit Finance
Past Presenters:
Matt Lodes - Olneya Restoration Group
Jaison McCall - Prosperity Connection
Week 10
Foundations of Business.
Past Presenters:
Kate Brockmeyer - Be Badass and Brilliant: Kate Brockmeyer
Darcella Craven - Veteran’s Business Administration
