Our Story & Mission
Building economic opportunity and food security in North County through innovative urban agriculture and micro-enterprise development.
Our Mission
The NorthGate Urban Ag & Micro-Enterprise Lab transforms a warehouse into a year-round food production and training facility that addresses two critical challenges in North St. Louis County: food insecurity and limited economic opportunity.
Through controlled-environment agriculture, hands-on training programs, and strategic partnerships, we create pathways for residents to launch food-based micro-enterprises while ensuring fresh, nutritious produce reaches food-insecure families.
Core Values
- Community-driven solutions
- Sustainable food systems
- Economic empowerment
- Environmental stewardship
By the Numbers
North County Context
Understanding the challenges and opportunities that drive our mission in North St. Louis County.
Food Insecurity
North County faces significant food access challenges, with limited grocery stores and high rates of diet-related health conditions.
- • Limited fresh produce access
- • Food desert conditions
- • High transportation barriers
Economic Opportunity
Limited pathways to entrepreneurship and small business development constrain economic mobility for residents.
- • Few training programs
- • Limited startup capital
- • Lack of business incubation
Strategic Opportunity
The 2027 WildCare Park opening creates unprecedented opportunity to capture visitor spending and drive economic development.
- • 1M+ annual visitors expected
- • $210 average visitor spend
- • Infrastructure investment catalyst
173-Acre Site Alignment
The pilot lab is strategically positioned adjacent to the larger NorthGate development, creating synergies that benefit both projects.
Strategic Integration
Pilot Proves Concept
The warehouse lab demonstrates operational viability, training effectiveness, and market demand before Phase One construction.
Supply Chain Integration
Lab graduates become vendors for the Phase One Urban Farmers Market, creating a pipeline of trained entrepreneurs.
Risk Mitigation
Operational data from the pilot informs Phase One design, reducing development risk and improving funder confidence.
Phase One Vision (2027)
Governance & Ownership
A sustainable ownership structure designed to maximize community benefit and ensure long-term viability.
501(c)(3) Structure
Federal grant eligibility requires nonprofit status, ensuring community ownership and mission alignment.
- Grant funding access
- Tax-exempt status
- Community accountability
- Mission protection
99-Year Ground Lease
Long-term land control provides stability for operations and financing while maintaining community ownership.
- Operational security
- Financing viability
- Community control
- Affordable access
Capital Stack Approach
A diversified funding strategy that leverages federal programs, private investment, and community support.
Phase One Funding ($41.4M)
Federal Alignment
Ready to Get Involved?
Join us in building economic opportunity and food security for North County. Whether you're interested in partnerships, training programs, or supporting Phase One development, we want to hear from you.