Many Washington University students share in the entrepreneurial spirit by forming their own businesses; however, StEP businesses have many advantages over businesses formed without this affiliation.

StEP Benefits include the following:
Use of the University name: Approved student businesses are recognized by Washington University and are permitted to use the University name and official StEP logo in advertisement and promotional materials in compliance with the program guidelines. The Office of Public Affairs must grant permission to use the University logos and all advertisements mailings, or postings must be approved by the StEP Advisor prior to publishing.

Mailing Labels and Student Information: Student contact information and mailing labels will be provided free of charge by the Office of Student Records. Advertisements, mailings, postings, and use of labels must be approved by the Advisor prior to distribution. All requests for student information and labels must be made with the StEP Advisor by completing a data request form.

Speaker Series and Roundtables: Student owners are invited to learn about business strategies from local entrepreneurs, university faculty, and the StEP Advisory Board alumni.

Roundtable meetings provide an outlet for student business owners to discuss important issues that face their businesses with the StEP advisory board and fellow business owners. All businesses are expected to send at least one representative to these meetings.

Web space: StEP businesses can request web space through Residential Technology Services. Additionally, all student businesses may link their webpage to the University website to increase promotion and availability to the University community.

Campus Mailbox: StEP businesses are eligible for a campus mailbox to conduct business.

Storefront Space: Many student businesses in StEP have a storefront in Gregg House along the walkway from South 40 to main campus. These storefronts average 250 square feet, and are leased to the businesses at a rate of $.57 per square foot, an extremely reduced rate when compared to local businesses in Clayton and St. Louis.

Parking: StEP business owners can work directly with Parking and Transportation Services to discuss special parking requests. Student owners are allowed to park cars next to the clock tower on Shepley Drive with emergency flashers for 20 minutes for business related deliveries.

Telephone and Network Services: Phone and data lines are available to StEP businesses occupying storefronts. The normal University rate will be charged. Requests for phone and data lines can be made through University Communications. Phone service will be cancelled during the summer months, unless other arrangements are made.