New Initiative Links Startups and St. Louis Companies Via the Arts

InnoVox STL is pleased to announce a new initiative called InnoVox Connect – a program that will allow the entrepreneurs behind some of St. Louis’ brightest up-and-coming startups the opportunity to network with some of St. Louis’ top corporate executives, while at the same time gaining exposure to, and a better understanding of, many of our area’s top arts organizations.

Starting tonight, June 21, nine St. Louis arts organizations will make available to area startup companies a limited number of complimentary tickets to attend their highest profile 2013 and 2014 events.  Because these events generally are attended by executives from some of St. Louis largest corporations, the local innovators will gain valuable networking opportunities with those large corporation executives and other community leaders.  The local entrepreneurs also will gain exposure to the exciting, innovative programming being presented by St. Louis’s top arts organizations.

A group of innovative St. Louis entrepreneurs tonight will attend Opera Theatre’s performance of, “Champion”, preceded by a picnic dinner hosted by a longtime Opera Theatre supporter.

The initiative, designed by St. Louis innovation/entrepreneurship outreach non-profit InnoVox STL,  is also designed to provide a “welcome mat” for the new St. Louis companies.  Many of these startups have stepped to the plate to relocate to St. Louis.  Providing exposure to the thriving St. Louis arts scene gives these innovators another reason to stay and grow their companies here.

The program’s a win for the arts groups as well.  As they look to increase their organizations’ support base going forward, this initiative provides a conduit to potential new supporters.   And it’s a win, too, for the biggest St. Louis companies who may come away from a networking session with a new supplier on board.

In addition to Opera Theatre, The Arts & Education Council of Greater St. Louis, Circus Flora, The Center of Creative Arts (COCA), Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, Grand Center, Inc., The Nine Network, the Saint Louis Symphony and The Sheldon are the other local arts organizations that are participating in the program.   Additional arts organizations and other St. Louis non-profits are expected to be added to the initiative soon.