JP Update: Black Business Month In St. Louis

Andrew BarnesSmall Business, The JP UP date


Number 388                                           August 7, 2026                                                 St. Louis


We love the success of our clients, especially when that client makes phenomenal BBQ!

Celebrating Black Business Month

All month long, Justine PETERSEN is celebrating Black Business Month by shining a light on Black-owned businesses making their mark across Missouri and Illinois.

This week, we’re bringing the celebration to the table and focusing on food! Behind every great meal is a story of hard work, creativity, family, and the determination to build something people will keep coming back to.

And what better way to kick things off than with some good barbecue?

Meet BONEHEADS Bar B Que, a Justine PETERSEN client serving up great food, signature flavors, and a business built with plenty of heart.


Built with Flavor, Fueled by Opportunity: BONEHEADS Bar B Que

Picture courtesy of Facebook

There is something special about barbecue done right. The smoke, the seasoning, the patience, and, of course, the flavor. At BONEHEAD’S Bar B Que, all of those ingredients come together with something just as important: a commitment to their customers and a determination to build a successful business.

As we celebrate Black Business Month, Justine PETERSEN is proud to shine a light on BONEHEADS Bar B Que and the entrepreneurial spirit behind the business.

More Than Good Barbecue

BONEHEAD’S owner Alyssa Jarvis has a simple goal: serve high-quality food at a fair price and provide service that keeps customers coming back.

That commitment to great food and great customer service has helped BONEHEAD’S build relationships with its customers while continuing to grow its name and customer base.

But the real secret may be in the seasoning.

BONEHEAD’S creates its own signature meat rubs, with five different varieties used on the meats they smoke. Each Boneheads Rub has its own unique flavor profile, helping bring out the best in the meat and giving customers a taste that is distinctly BONEHEADS.

Their promise is straightforward: to serve a flavorful, satisfying meal at a price customers can feel good about.

Picture courtesy of Facebook

When One Door Closes, Another Should Be There to Open

For many small business owners, the journey to growing BONEHEAD’S has not always been easy.

After being turned away elsewhere, BONEHEAD’S came to Justine PETERSEN looking for an opportunity and an organization willing to listen.

They found a team ready to understand their business, recognize their potential, and help them move forward.

For BONEHEAD’S, having Justine PETERSEN there when they needed support made a difference, and they remain thankful that an organization like JP exists for entrepreneurs who may not always fit neatly into the traditional lending box.

That is also why stories like BONEHEAD’S matter during Black Business Month.

Behind every small business is someone taking a chance on an idea, working long hours, building relationships, and creating something they believe can last. But determination alone should not determine whether an entrepreneur gets an opportunity.

At Justine PETERSEN, we believe access matters.

We are proud to work alongside Black entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout Missouri and Illinois, helping to provide access to capital, credit-building, financial education, and the support needed to take that next step.

This Black Business Month, we celebrate businesses like BONEHEAD’S Bar B Que for continuing to bet on themselves, serve their customers, and build something of their own.

And we are grateful they allowed Justine PETERSEN to be part of their journey.

Good food. Great flavor. A business allowed to keep growing. Now that is something worth celebrating.


Upcoming Events

Ready to Take Control of Your Financial Future? 💳✨

Join LaTrisha Gandy for an empowering session: Credit As An Asset—designed to help you build, understand, and leverage your credit with confidence!

Location: Elevator St. Louis, 1230 Macklind Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110

When: August 20th, 2026 at 12:00 PM

Eventbrite Link

Urban League Expo

The Urban League will be hosting an expo this weekend! On Saturday, August 8th, there is a Back-to-School Drive-Thru Edition, as well as many other activities for everyone. Scan the QR code or go to Urban League St. Louis.


Are You Looking for a Loan with Better Terms?

DO YOU HAVE A HIGH-INTEREST AUTO LOAN?

Are you looking to SAVE on interest and reduce your monthly payments?

If you have made consecutive payments for the last 6 months, you may qualify!

Eligibility Criteria:

Current Auto Loan Amount: $20,000 or less

Current Interest Rate: 15% or higher

Learn More


SSBCI Ignite MO: More Than a Loan

When you work with Justine PETERSEN, you’re gaining a partner invested in your long-term success. Our experienced team provides personalized guidance to help you build a stronger financial future while growing your business.

Every Great Business Starts with Someone Who Believed in It.

Let us help you take the next step.

Get Started Today!


JP Family Corner

Happy Birthday!

Happy Anniversary!

August Employee of the Month: Madolyn East

Alright y’all, listen up.

Every once in a while, you come across somebody who knows how to work hard, keep moving forward, and still find time to have a little fun along the way. And this month, that somebody is Madolyn East, Justine PETERSEN’s Employee of the Month! 🎉

Madolyn, congratulations on being named Justine PETERSEN’s August Employee of the Month! Keep chasing those goals, keep turning those wrenches, and whatever you do, don’t take your foot off the gas.

Y’all make some noise for MADOLYN EAST!


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Justine Petersen Housing and Reinvestment Corporation · 1023 N Grand Blvd · Saint Louis, MO 63106-1641 · USA

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