Missouri Business Assistance Programs

Starting a business can be overwhelming, especially if you are trying to figure it out all by yourself. The good news is that in Missouri, there are various business assistance programs designed to help entrepreneurs and small business owners like you at every stage of the process. Whether you’re just starting to develop your concept, you’re ready to launch your startup, or you’re looking to grow and eventually pass on your business, these programs offer the guidance, funding, and resources you need to succeed.

Related: Guide to Starting a Business in Missouri

Arch Grants

Arch Grants is a nonprofit organization that provides start-up companies with funding in the form of grants and supports them as they establish their presence in downtown St. Louis. The organization’s operations are supported by private donors.

As part of its Global Startup Competition, Arch Grants offers $50,000 equity-free cash grants and pro bono support services to innovative, scalable, and job-creating startups. Recipients also receive professional mentorship, introductions to strategic business and civic leaders, and access to angel investment and venture capital networks.

Area served: St. Louis, Missouri

Center for Emerging Technologies (CET)

The Center for Emerging Technologies (CET), an affiliate of the CORTEX Innovation Community, provides specialized facilities, support services, and access to capital for next-generation bioscience, medical, and advanced technology companies. CET’s operations are supported by the Missouri Technology Corporation, City of St. Louis, and private donors.

CET offers knowledgeable support services, entrepreneur training programs, and access to the capital needed to establish and develop innovative companies. The center aims to foster the growth of these businesses and support their success.

Area served: St. Louis, Missouri

Determination, Incorporated

Determination, Incorporated is a nonprofit organization based in the Kansas City metropolitan area that creates pathways to opportunity for formerly incarcerated individuals through entrepreneurship.

Determination, Incorporated provides support, guidance, and resources to help formerly incarcerated individuals start and grow their own businesses. By fostering entrepreneurship, the organization aims to create opportunities for successful reentry and reduce recidivism.

Area served: Kansas City metropolitan area, Missouri

KC Collective

KC Collective is an organization developed by startup founders to support fellow entrepreneurs in Kansas City. The organization leverages its networks to provide valuable resources and support to startup founders.

KC Collective offers introductions, mentorship, perks and discounts from partners, and the education and resources necessary for Kansas City entrepreneurs to move their businesses forward. By fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge, the organization aims to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City.

Area served: Kansas City, Missouri

Missouri APEX Accelerator

The Missouri APEX Accelerator, formerly known as the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers, helps businesses obtain federal, state, and local government contracts. The program is particularly focused on assisting small, disadvantaged, veteran-owned, and women-owned firms.

Missouri APEX Accelerator’s procurement specialists, with years of experience, help businesses identify opportunities and understand the contracting process to begin selling to the government. The program offers guidance, training, and support to navigate the complexities of government contracting.

Area served: Statewide, Missouri

Missouri Innovation Center

The Missouri Innovation Center is a non-profit organization focused on providing support for high-growth business ventures that improve human life and sustainability. The center is motivated by good ideas and exceptional people, and it contributes to the growth of Mid-Missouri by attracting high-growth businesses that need assistance navigating the commercialization of their business ideas.

The Missouri Innovation Center offers services in mentoring, securing financial support, and providing necessary resources for conducting successful and focused research and development. By supporting these ventures, the center aims to create more quality jobs in the region, improve the local economy, and develop technologies capable of improving the quality of human life.

Area served: Mid-Missouri

Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)

The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) provides support to businesses at every stage, from concept to startup, growth to renewal, and maturity to succession. The program is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of Missouri Extension, and other local partners.

Missouri SBDC offers a wide range of services, including one-on-one counseling, training workshops, and access to resources and tools to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. The program’s experienced business counselors work closely with entrepreneurs and small business owners to address their specific needs and challenges.

Area served: Statewide, Missouri

Missouri University of Science & Technology: Technology Transfer and Economic Development (TTED)

Missouri University of Science & Technology’s Technology Transfer and Economic Development (TTED) serves as the focal point for technology commercialization, entrepreneurship, business development, and economic development for Missouri S&T. The program is supported by the university.

TTED’s Small Business and Technology Development Center provides business counseling and training to aspiring entrepreneurs and small businesses. The program aims to foster innovation, commercialization, and economic growth in the region.

Area served: Rolla, Missouri and surrounding areas

Missouri Women’s Business Center (MoWBC)

The Missouri Women’s Business Center (MoWBC) is dedicated to breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial success. It focuses on women-owned, minority-owned, and low-to-moderate income-based businesses and provides its services at no cost to clients.

MoWBC assists entrepreneurs as they plan, start, build, and scale their businesses by providing accessible resources, programming, and whole health business coaching. The center aims to empower entrepreneurs and support their success.

Area served: Statewide, Missouri

SCORE

SCORE offers free and low-cost business workshops to help Missouri small business owners and entrepreneurs gain the skills they need to help their businesses succeed. The organization has offices in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Southwest Missouri.

SCORE provides mentoring, workshops, and educational resources to support small businesses at every stage of their journey. The organization’s experienced business mentors volunteer their time to help entrepreneurs navigate challenges and achieve their goals.

Area served: Kansas City, St. Louis, and Southwest Missouri

St. Louis MBDA Business Center

The St. Louis MBDA Business Center, located in St. Louis and operated by the Chicago Minority Business Development Council, works with minority business enterprises to generate increased financing and contract opportunities and to create and retain jobs. The center is supported by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency.

The St. Louis MBDA Business Center provides a range of services to help minority-owned businesses grow and succeed, including access to capital, contract opportunities, and strategic business consulting. The center aims to strengthen the U.S. economy by supporting the growth and success of minority-owned businesses.

Area served: St. Louis, Missouri