General News
VBA Growth Investment: Missouri's Program for Early-Stage Founders
Mar 14, 2026 · VBA Marketing
VBA Growth
Investment
Fueling early-stage Missouri founders with the support they actually need
Every year, VBA selects two early-stage Missouri businesses and gives them something more valuable than money alone — structure, community, and a real shot at momentum.
Building a business from the ground up is hard enough without having to figure out where to find the right people, tools, and guidance. That's exactly the gap the VBA Growth Investment program was designed to close. Each year, two Missouri-based early-stage businesses are selected to receive a comprehensive package of resources that takes them from education to execution.
This isn't a pitch competition with a check and a handshake. It's a structured investment in real founders doing real work — and the community gets to play a role in deciding who wins.
What Winners Receive
Core Access
Full Core membership, tools, training, direct support, and a $500 business growth credit to build real momentum.
Structure, Guidance & Visibility
Access to VBA's network, frameworks, and a community that turns potential into measurable progress.
VBA Vision Podcast Feature
Each winner gets their own dedicated episode to share their story, their business, and their vision with the VBA audience.
How the Program Works
The process is designed to be transparent, community-driven, and fast. From nominations opening to winners being announced, the entire cycle runs in just six weeks. Here's how it unfolds:
Core members can nominate early-stage Missouri businesses they believe deserve the spotlight.
All nominations must be submitted. VBA reviews the pool and selects 5 finalists to move forward.
No login required. Anyone can vote — one vote per person. The 5 finalists are listed publicly and the community decides. The top 2 businesses by community votes receive the Growth Investment.
Votes are tallied and the two businesses with the most community support are selected.
Winners are announced publicly and the program begins immediately — support is delivered right away.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The program is focused on early-stage businesses that are just getting their footing. If you're a Missouri founder with an LLC established or in progress, you may already qualify. Here are the four eligibility requirements:
VBA created this initiative to invest in promising early-stage businesses and provide a clear pathway for founders who need structure, support, and the right systems to move forward.
VBA LeadershipWhy This Matters for Missouri Founders
Missouri has no shortage of ambitious entrepreneurs. What many early-stage founders lack isn't drive — it's access. Access to a network that opens doors. Access to frameworks that replace guesswork with a plan. Access to a platform that amplifies their story to an audience that's actually paying attention.
The VBA Growth Investment program bridges that gap. And by putting the final selection in the hands of the community, it ensures the businesses chosen have genuine public support behind them from day one.
The next cycle opens April 1, 2026. If you're a Missouri founder — or you know one — now is the time to get on VBA's radar.
Ready to Get Involved?
Learn more about the VBA Growth Investment program, eligibility requirements, and how to get your business nominated.
Learn More at VBA Core →
