Show-Me State Times

The Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship at Saint Louis University is now accepting applications for its second New Venture Accelerator (NVA) cohort. The program offers equity-free investments of up to $50,000 to current students and alumni who graduated within the last five years. Eligibility requires that at least one co-founder or owner with 10% or more equity in the company be a Saint Louis University undergraduate junior or senior, graduate student, or recent alumnus.

Applications are open until March 14, requiring participants to submit a two-minute pitch, describe their product or service, and provide insights on their target market and competition. On April 7, ten finalists will be selected to compete in a pitch day scheduled for April 14. Up to five businesses will be chosen for the cohort on April 25.

“Our accelerator is an excellent opportunity for students and alumni to launch their new ventures with support and guidance to increase their chances of success,” said Lewis Sheats, executive director of the Chaifetz Center for Entrepreneurship.

The accelerator program begins in May and runs for 14 weeks. Participants must attend weekly meetings in person during this period. They will receive funding, resources, access to advisors, and guidance to develop their business ideas further.

Each team can receive between $5,000 and $50,000 in investment funds. In its first year, the NVA helped four participants grow their businesses: EMBr, GenAssist, Moii Coffee, and Posie Pots.

EMBr is a wearable device designed by Kirti Madhu that detects opioid overdose symptoms and alerts emergency services. Madhu started her entrepreneurial journey through SLU's MEDLaunch program and was named the 2024 Student Entrepreneur of the Year.

GenAssist is developing MyoMatrix under founder Gabe Haas's leadership. This biomaterial aims to treat Volumetric Muscle Loss by encouraging muscle tissue growth. Haas was recognized as the 2024 Young Alumni Entrepreneur of the Year.

Moii Coffee aims to connect coffee farmers with consumers through ethically sourced products. Founder Firaol Ahmed has shifted from roasting coffee beans to focusing on supply chain logistics connecting African farmers with North American roasters.

Posie Pots offers sustainable planters using a patented water-once-a-month system developed by Kay Wells. The company recently received seed funding from Arch Grants as part of its annual cohort.

The NVA program features content delivered by SLU faculty alongside industry experts and mentors, many of whom are SLU alumni themselves.

Founded in 1910, Saint Louis University's Richard A. Chaifetz School of Business has long been a leader in business education recognized nationally by U.S. News & World Report.