A Zeeoma Foundation Campaign
Young entrepreneurs in St. Louis and emerging entrepreneurs from Africa One market.
Ideas today. Bigger tomorrows.
People. Trade. Growth.
Skills. Culture. Global reach.
Building trade between young entrepreneurs in St. Louis and African entrepreneurs — so both sides earn, learn, and grow. A grant makes a recipient. A purchase makes a partner.
How it works
Every $5,000 is a complete cycle — a young person trained, a maker paid, a collection brought to market. And the sale it funds pays for the next round.
A young St. Louisan’s stipend and business training.
Straight to the supplier — several times her local price.
Brings the collection to market and covers the event.
One full cycle — real, countable impact on two continents.
The Drive aims to raise $500,000 yearly — Your sponsorship puts real skills, real earnings, and real global connections in the hands of our region's youth.
Join the founding circle
Partnerships start at $5,000 — one partnership, one full cycle, real impact. Founding partners are recognized at the Rooted & Rising Gala, and carry the founding story as the programme grows.
The Rooted & Rising Gala
Gala Tickets
Get involved
Every gift is trade, not charity — it puts a young St. Louisan behind the counter and an African maker on a shelf. Gifts are tax-deductible through YouthBridge Community Foundation.
Give any amount, or fund a full $5,000 cycle. Secure, tax-deductible giving through our fiscal sponsor, YouthBridge.
Donate nowVia YouthBridge Community Foundation.
Founding, Cohort, Impact and Presenting partnerships from $5,000 to $100,000 — named and recognized at the gala.
Request the packagesImpact reporting on who you funded.
Join us on November 8 at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis — hear a maker’s story first-hand and help fund the year ahead. Individual seats are $300.
Reserve a seat — $300Individual seats & sponsor the gala.