About this programme
Arch Grants runs a nationwide competition that identifies and funds early-stage startups willing to relocate their headquarters to St. Louis. It gives out non-dilutive grants, meaning Arch Grants does not take an equity stake in any company it funds.
The competition targets for-profit companies with technology-enabled products, services or solutions, at least at the validated-idea stage, with proof of market validation, through to pre-Series A. Applications are judged by over 400 industry experts from the St. Louis community and beyond.
Winners get a $75,000 equity-free grant. Companies relocating from outside Missouri and from more than 150 miles away qualify for an additional $25,000 relocation grant. Companies that complete their Arch Grants program year, keep significant operations in St. Louis, and intend to stay at least two more years can also become eligible for Growth Grants funding of up to $100,000.
How it works
Winners must relocate to St. Louis within eight weeks of award notification.
At least one founder must work on the company as their primary or full-time professional role, and 51% of the founding team (or one founder plus 51% of the wider team) must live in the St. Louis area full-time for the program year.
Beyond the cash award, winners get access to a la carte programming, fundraising support, network access, and discounts and talent-acquisition support.
Who can apply
For-profit entities with technology-enabled products, services or solutions, at least at the validated-idea stage with proof of market validation, through pre-Series A.
At least one founder must be working on the company as their primary or full-time professional role. Applicants must be at least 18 years old; non-U.S. citizens can apply if they have appropriate work authorization.
The company must locate its headquarters in the City of St. Louis for at least one year, with 51% of the founding team (or one founder and 51% of the team) living there for the program year.
Staff and board members of Arch Grants and their immediate family are not eligible. Companies that directly produce, manufacture or distribute cannabis are not eligible. Companies currently going through their cohort year cannot apply with a new company.
How to apply
- Submit an application, including a pitch deck disclosing the proposed use of the grant, during the annual application window (in 2026: opened February 18, closed March 31).
- Applications go through preliminary judging (early to mid May 2026).
- Finalists are announced (mid-July 2026).
- Finalists pitch on Pitch Day (August 5, 2026).
- Winners are notified (end of August 2026) and relocate to St. Louis within eight weeks.
- Program year begins (early October 2026).
Frequently asked
Does Arch Grants take equity in exchange for the money?
No. Arch Grants does not take an equity stake in the companies it funds.
Who qualifies for the extra $25,000 relocation grant?
Companies relocating from outside Missouri and from more than 150 miles away.
How fast do winners have to move to St. Louis?
Within eight weeks of award notification, and 51% of the founding team (or one founder and 51% of the team) must live there full-time for the program year.
Can non-U.S. citizens apply?
Yes, as long as they have appropriate work authorization.
Is there funding beyond the initial $75,000?
Companies that complete their program year, keep significant St. Louis operations, and plan to stay at least two more years can become eligible for Growth Grants funding of up to $100,000.
When does the next application window open?
The 2026 window ran February 18 to March 31. The site does not state a 2027 date at time of writing; check the Arch Grants site for the next cycle.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.