Let’s Recap Our 2025 Event!
Access to Money 2025 Recap: Empowering Small Business Growth Across St. Louis
On October 28, 2025, nearly 175 entrepreneurs, lenders, and community partners came together at Access to Money 2025—a day dedicated to connection, collaboration, and learning.
Hosted by SCORE St. Louis, this annual event offered actionable insights, real success stories, and meaningful resources to help small businesses secure funding, elevate their marketing, and strengthen their impact in the St. Louis region.
From energizing keynotes to practical breakout sessions, this event brought together some of the area’s most dynamic speakers and mentors—creating a space where ideas flowed, partnerships formed, and entrepreneurs felt supported in every stage of their journey.
Small businesses are the heartbeat of our region.
According to the Federal Reserve, over 71,000 small businesses in the St. Louis region employ 1.2 million people. Nationwide, nearly 35 million small businesses employ 59 million people — representing 46% of the U.S. workforce.
Access to Money 2025 reaffirmed SCORE St. Louis’s mission to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge, mentorship, and connections they need to turn dreams into sustainable business success.
“Look for the solution in the problem itself.” — Robert Fishbone
“Your business does not have to be on every social media platform. Pick the one that works for your business.” “Write an effective AI Prompt: TCO – Task, Context, Outcome.” — Maryville Business Solutions
“Learn fast. Free from fear.” “Make a six-month commitment and be accountable.” — Dan Lauer
“Identify 2–3 companies outside your industry who do marketing right.” — Chris Ruzicka
What Happened at the Event?
The day kicked off with MC and radio personality Sue Thomas, followed by an inspiring keynote from Robert Fishbone, President of On The Wall Productions, Inc..
At lunch, Dan Lauer, Founder of Lauer Toys (Waterbabies) and Chief Entrepreneurship Officer at Lindenwood University, delivered a motivating address on innovation and accountability.
Throughout the day, attendees joined breakout sessions on marketing, funding, technology, and small business growth—ending with a Federal Reserve update and a SCORE client success panel celebrating local entrepreneurs’ achievements.
"The presenters and accommodations were first-rate. The content is Just-in-time for my needs, providing an opportunity to network with other business owners."
— ATM 2025 Small Business Owner
"One of my favorite things was hearing successful entrepreneurs tell their stories. It's very inspiring."
— ATM 2025 Attendee
"It was an incredible experience connecting with so many passionate entrepreneurs and learning from the other speakers."
— ATM 2025 Sponsor / Resource Partner
"Thanks so much for the opportunity to sponsor and present at ATM! I met some great people and made some good connections for future follow-up."
— ATM 2025 Sponsor / Resource Partner
SCORE St. Louis extends heartfelt thanks to all speakers, mentors, sponsors, and volunteers who made ATM 2025 possible — and to every small-business owner who brought their curiosity, ambition, and energy to the day. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial ecosystem for St. Louis.
Event Sponsors
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
Resource Partners
Friends of SCORE
Dana Connon & Dick Slackman
Greg Christoffel
Gary Deeken
Ray Edwards
Steve Epner
Pam Gilbert
Mary Heger
Janna Pearman Jacobs
Kathleen Martin
Scott Niday
Greg Sahrmann
