Helping St. Louis Businesses Grow Since 1988
For more than three decades, Small Business Monthly (SBM) has been one of the region’s leading resources for small- and mid-sized business owners seeking practical ideas, trusted connections and real-world strategies to grow stronger companies.
At SBM, we believe small business owners are the backbone of our community. They create jobs, fuel innovation and help shape the future of the St. Louis region. Yet running a business is never easy. Owners constantly face challenges—from finding customers and managing employees to navigating finances, operations and growth.
That’s where SBM comes in.
Our mission is simple: Help Business Owners Succeed.
Through our monthly magazine, business events, awards programs, educational content, networking opportunities and business resources, we connect owners with the ideas, people and strategies they need to grow.
Each month, SBM reaches thousands of business owners and executives across the St. Louis region with practical, actionable content focused on the issues that matter most, including:
- Leadership & Management
- Sales & Marketing
- Human Resources & Culture
- Banking & Finance
- Strategy & Growth
- Technology & Innovation
- Legal & Risk Management
- Entrepreneurship & Business Success
Beyond the magazine, SBM hosts some of the region’s most recognized business events, bringing together entrepreneurs, executives and professionals to learn, connect and grow. From the St. Louis BizExpo and Business Growth Conference to leadership breakfasts, awards programs and networking events, our goal is to create meaningful opportunities that help businesses thrive.
At its core, SBM is more than a publication. We are a community built to support business owners.
Meet Ron Ameln, Publisher & Owner
Ron Ameln is the owner, publisher and driving force behind Small Business Monthly.
A passionate advocate for entrepreneurs and business owners, Ron has spent more than two decades helping small- and mid-sized companies grow through practical business education, meaningful connections and trusted resources.
In 2007, Ron acquired SBM at a time when many questioned the future of print media. Through persistence, innovation and a relentless focus on serving the needs of business owners, he transformed the publication into a respected multimedia platform that includes events, educational programs, business recognition initiatives and strategic growth resources for the St. Louis business community.
Ron is widely known throughout the region for bringing business leaders together and helping owners learn from one another. Whether through the pages of SBM, the St. Louis BizExpo, educational seminars or speaking engagements, his focus remains the same: helping businesses grow stronger and more successful.
He is also the author of Burst: Your Roadmap for Growing Your Small Business, a practical guide designed to help business owners build better companies through stronger strategy, leadership and execution.
“Small business owners work incredibly hard and often feel like they’re figuring things out alone,” says Ron. “Our goal at SBM is to help them get better, faster—through ideas, connections and practical strategies that actually work.”
Why Businesses Turn to SBM
Business owners trust SBM because we focus on practical solutions—not theory.
Our readers and partners come to us for:
✔ Actionable business advice
✔ Connections to trusted service providers
✔ Access to educational events and networking
✔ Real stories from successful business owners
✔ Resources that help companies grow
Whether you are launching a startup, scaling a growing company or preparing your business for long-term success, SBM is here to help.
Because when small businesses succeed, our entire region succeeds.