Newswise — Ten of the 46 finalists for this year's prestigious $1 million Arch Grants have ties to Washington University in St. Louis' Olin Business School. Twenty winning teams, each of which will win $50,000 non-equity grants, will be announced in mid-May.

Since its first competition in 2012, Arch Grants has awarded more than $1.9 million in grants to 35 companies. Those companies have gone on to create 142 jobs, generate $4.3 million in revenue and attract $10.7 in follow-on capital.

Instrumental in Olin's entrepreneurial success has been Cliff Holekamp, senior lecturer in entrepreneurship and director of the school's entrepreneurship platform. Small Business Monthly named Holekamp an “Education Hero” in its annual education edition for his development of new programs and interdisciplinary curriculum at Washington University. Just two months later in its April issue, the publication named Holekamp one of the “Top 100 St. Louisans You Should Know.”

Selection was based upon choosing the individuals who are doing the most to inspire and direct other people’s success.

For more information on Arch Grants finalists with Olin ties, visit http://olinblog.wustl.edu/2014/04/arch-grants-attracts-olin-startups.