For the second consecutive year, St. Louis proved it’s more than just the Gateway City—it’s a gateway to opportunity.
As one of just four host cities for the 2026 AMAC Runway to Success Supplier Pitch Competition (and the only city to host a second straight year), St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) and the Office of Business Opportunities (OBO), welcomed more than 40 ambitious small businesses eager to break into the world of airport food, beverage, retail, and services.
Following a thorough review process, the applicant pool was narrowed to 10 standout businesses. Those finalists took center stage at STL, where they showcased their products and services to a panel of airport executives, industry leaders, and concession experts. The highest-scoring participants then advanced to the spotlight, delivering fast-paced, Shark Tank-style pitches in front of the judges for one final chance to earn a place in the next round.
The businesses that advanced to Round Two:
- First Place: DEMIblue Natural Nails, Michelle Robinson
- Second Place: Socially Her Chateaux, Chantelle Jones
- Third Place: Nari Shradha Challa
- Fourth Place: M. Joy Mushroom Coffee, Kathleen Hearod
While only four businesses earned a ticket to the next stage of the competition, every entrepreneur who participated demonstrated the innovation, passion, and resilience that define the St. Louis business community. The overwhelming interest in this year’s competition underscores STL’s commitment to expanding access to airport opportunities and creating pathways for small, minority, and women-owned businesses to grow, compete, and succeed.