Resources and insights to help our clients, partners, and vendors navigate every stage of real estate development.

The 2024 City of St. Louis Disparity Study found that although qualified MWBE firms represent a significant portion of the available construction market, they continue to receive a disproportionately smaller share of construction work. Moreover, the construction workforce does not reflect the diversity of the St. Louis region.

There is an abundance of information about certification, financing, workforce development, and contracting, yet there is not a single St. Louis-based resource that brought these pieces together.  Through conversations with leaders across the St. Louis construction industry, it became clear that this resource is necessary.

This toolkit was created to serve as a practical guide for navigating the convoluted construction process. The following pages offer practical guidance, resources, and a starting point for a stronger, more vibrant St. Louis. The goal is not to increase participation through imposed checkboxes, but rather, to advocate for an inclusive, more competitive construction industry that benefits businesses, communities, and the future of the St. Louis region.