Missouri is committed to fostering business growth by offering a wide range of incentives aimed at job creation, investment, and the development of innovative technologies.  Whether you are a small business owner, a manufacturer, or an investor in clean energy, Missouri provides tools to enhance your company's success.  Below are some of the key business incentives available in Missouri.

Missouri Works Program

Overview

The Missouri Works Program provides financial incentives for companies that create new jobs and invest in Missouri.  The program offers a range of options, including tax credits, grants, and training programs, to support business development and job creation in the state.

Eligibility

• The business must create a minimum number of new jobs (typically at least 10 jobs).

• The business must make a significant capital investment in Missouri.

• The business must meet specific wage and benefits criteria.

Incentive Value

• Businesses can receive up to 100% of the payroll taxes withheld from new employees as a refund.

• The program also includes training grants for workforce development, which can cover up to 50% of the cost of employee training.

Application Process

Businesses must apply to the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), submitting a detailed project plan that includes job creation, wage information, and capital investment projections.

Missouri Tax Credit for New Jobs (Job Creation Tax Credit)

Overview

The Missouri Job Creation Tax Credit is designed to encourage companies to create new, high-paying jobs in the state.  This credit is particularly beneficial for businesses that are expanding or relocating to Missouri and need additional tax incentives to offset operational costs.

Eligibility

• The business must create a minimum of 10 new jobs that meet or exceed the state’s average wage.

• The business must operate in a qualifying industry, such as manufacturing, technology, or healthcare.

Incentive Value

• The program provides up to $1,000 per new job created annually.

• The credit is available for a period of up to 10 years, depending on the number of jobs created and the business’s impact on the local economy.

Application Process

Businesses must submit an application to DED along with a detailed business plan and job creation projections.

Missouri Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit

Overview

Missouri’s R&D Tax Credit program is aimed at encouraging businesses to invest in research and development activities.  The tax credit applies to companies that are developing new technologies, processes, or products in Missouri.

Eligibility

• The business must engage in eligible R&D activities, including the development of new products, processes, or technologies.

• The business must incur eligible expenses within Missouri.

Incentive Value

• The program provides a tax credit equal to 15% of qualified R&D expenses, up to $1 million per year.

• For small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, the credit is refundable.

Application Process

Businesses must submit a claim to DED, providing details of their R&D activities and expenses.

Missouri Brownfield Redevelopment Program

Overview

The Missouri Brownfield Redevelopment Program offers financial assistance to businesses that invest in the cleanup and redevelopment of brownfield sites (underutilized or contaminated properties).  This program aims to revitalize distressed areas while promoting sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Eligibility

• The business must be redeveloping a brownfield site, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

• The redevelopment project must meet certain environmental and economic development criteria.

Incentive Value

• The program offers tax credits for up to 50% of eligible cleanup costs, with a maximum credit of $1.5 million per project.

• In some cases, additional grants or low-interest loans are available for infrastructure improvements.

Application Process
Businesses must apply to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for certification of their brownfield redevelopment project, submitting detailed plans for cleanup and redevelopment.

Missouri Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ) Program

Overview

The Missouri EEZ program provides tax incentives to businesses that locate in economically distressed areas.  This program is designed to stimulate business investment, create jobs, and promote economic development in qualifying regions of Missouri.

Eligibility

• The business must be located within an approved Enhanced Enterprise Zone.

• The business must create a minimum number of jobs and make a significant capital investment in the area.

Incentive Value

• The program provides sales and use tax exemptions on equipment and supplies used in production.

• It also offers income tax credits for job creation and capital investment, with tax benefits lasting up to 10 years.

Application Process

Businesses must apply to DED, submitting a detailed project plan that includes job creation, capital investment, and community impact.

Missouri Industrial Development Bonds (IDB)

Overview

The Missouri IDB program provides low-interest financing to businesses that invest in manufacturing, production, or research facilities in Missouri.  This program is designed to help businesses reduce the cost of capital improvements and foster economic development.

Eligibility

• The business must be engaged in manufacturing, research, or similar industries.

• The business must use the proceeds from the bonds to fund capital expenditures, such as purchasing land, building structures, or buying equipment.

Incentive Value

• The program provides access to low-interest, tax-exempt bonds, which can cover up to 100% of the cost of eligible capital improvements.

• The bonds may offer up to 30 years of financing, depending on the project’s scope.

Application Process

Businesses must apply through DED or local development agencies, submitting a financing proposal and business plan.

Missouri Green Energy Incentives

Overview

Missouri offers various incentives to businesses that invest in renewable energy technologies or energy-efficient practices.  These incentives are designed to promote clean energy, reduce environmental impact, and support businesses in becoming more energy-efficient.

Eligibility

• The business must be investing in renewable energy systems, such as solar, wind, or geothermal.

• The business must also be committed to implementing energy-efficient technologies or practices.

Incentive Value

• The state provides tax credits, grants, and loans for businesses investing in clean energy.

• Tax credits can cover up to 25% of eligible project costs, with maximum amounts varying by project type.

Application Process

Businesses must apply through DNR or the Missouri Energy Center, providing a detailed proposal for their renewable energy or energy-efficiency project.

Missouri Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)

Overview

The Missouri CDBG is designed to support local governments and businesses involved in community development activities. This program provides funding for infrastructure improvements, housing development, and economic development projects.

Eligibility

• The business or local government must be engaged in a project that benefits low- and moderate-income communities.

• Projects can include the construction or rehabilitation of public facilities, housing, or infrastructure.

Incentive Value

• The program offers grants that can cover up to 100% of the project cost, depending on eligibility and project type.

Application Process

Businesses or local governments must apply to DED, submitting detailed proposals for community development projects.

Missouri Film Tax Credit

Overview

The Missouri Film Tax Credit provides financial incentives for film and television productions that take place in Missouri.  The program is designed to encourage filmmakers to choose Missouri as a production location, bringing jobs, tourism, and business opportunities to the state.

Eligibility

• The production must meet minimum spending thresholds within Missouri.

• The production must create a significant number of jobs for residents and have a positive economic impact on the state.

Incentive Value

• The program offers a refundable tax credit of up to 35% of eligible production expenditures.

• The program has a cap on annual funding, so credits are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Application Process

Film and television productions must apply to the Missouri Film Office, providing project details and a budget outlining eligible production costs.