Small Business Incentive Programs in Missouri

Agency: Missouri Department of Economic Development

This federally funded program channels money through Missouri communities to support economic development projects that benefit low-to-moderate income residents. LLCs can access funding through their local governments for projects involving job creation, infrastructure improvements, or facility development that will have positive community economic impact and provide employment opportunities.

Agency: Missouri Department of Economic Development

This program provides below-market interest rate loans to small businesses by allowing the state to deposit funds with participating lenders at reduced rates. The savings are passed on to qualified borrowers, making capital more affordable for Missouri LLCs looking to start, expand, or improve their operations while creating jobs in their communities.

Agency: Missouri Development Finance Board

Administered by the Missouri Development Finance Board, this program provides loan guarantees and direct lending support to small businesses that may not qualify for traditional bank financing. The program helps bridge financing gaps for Missouri LLCs by reducing lender risk and enabling access to capital for startups and growing businesses across various industry sectors.

Agency: Rural Missouri Inc.

Rural Missouri Inc. provides flexible financing options specifically designed for small businesses in rural Missouri communities. This cooperative organization understands the unique challenges facing rural LLCs and offers patient capital with reasonable terms. The program supports various business types including retail, manufacturing, agriculture, and service businesses that strengthen rural economies and create local employment opportunities.

Agency: Missouri Women's Council

The Missouri Women's Council supports women entrepreneurs through various loan programs designed to address the unique financing challenges faced by women-owned businesses. These programs offer flexible terms and patient capital for Missouri LLCs owned by women, helping them start, grow, and sustain successful enterprises while building wealth and creating jobs in their communities.

Missouri Works Tax Credit

This performance-based tax credit program provides incentives to businesses that create new jobs and make substantial capital investments in Missouri. Credits are based on a percentage of new payroll and can be used to offset state income tax liability.

Eligibility: Businesses that create a minimum number of new jobs (varies by county) and meet capital investment requirements.

Missouri Small Business Deduction

This tax deduction allows eligible small business owners to deduct up to $9,000 of business income from their Missouri state income taxes. The deduction helps reduce the tax burden on small business profits.

Eligibility: Business owners whose federal adjusted gross income is less than $25,000 for single filers or $50,000 for married filing jointly.

Missouri Quality Jobs Program

This program offers tax benefits including withholding tax benefits, tax credits, and exemptions for businesses that create quality jobs with above-average wages and provide health insurance benefits to employees.

Eligibility: Businesses that create new jobs paying at least 120% of the county average wage and provide health insurance benefits to employees.

Missouri New Markets Tax Credit

This program encourages investment in low-income communities by providing tax credits to investors who make qualified equity investments in certified community development entities operating in Missouri.

Eligibility: Businesses located in qualified low-income communities and community development entities certified to operate in Missouri.