Competitive, Comprehensive Advantages 

The Business Use Incentives for Large Scale Development (BUILD) program provides refundable state tax credits for major economic development projects through innovative bond financing. Companies receive tax credits equal to their debt service payments, effectively converting infrastructure costs into grant reimbursement.

Eligibility:

• Manufacturing/Processing: $15+ million investment + 100+ new jobs
• Office Industries: $10+ million investment + 500+ new jobs (200+ in distressed communities)
• Eligible Industries: Assembly, R&D, agricultural processing, services in interstate commerce, manufacturing, processing, regional/national headquarters, telecommunications, computer operations, insurance companies

Benefits:

• Refundable tax credits equal to annual bond debt service payments
• 10-15 year benefit period
• Credits can be transferred, sold, or assigned
• Effective grant reimbursement for infrastructure costs

Application Process:

• Submit application to Missouri Department of Economic Development and Missouri Development Finance Board
• Present project to MDFB board (typically 3rd Tuesday monthly)
• MDFB evaluation and formal approval at second meeting
• Closing scheduled with bond issuance

Enhanced Enterprise Zones (EEZs) provide state and local tax incentives to help businesses grow, invest, and create jobs in targeted communities.

Eligibility:

• Must be located within a designated Enhanced Enterprise Zone
• Minimum requirements that meet job creation and investment thresholds
• Must provide health insurance and cover 50% of premiums for all full-time employees

Benefits:

• Up to 5 years of state tax credits tied to new job creation and capital investment
• Local real property tax abatement on 50% of the new investment (excluding land and personal property) for a period of 10 years.

Application Process:

• Contact OREP team for zone eligibility confirmation and procedures
• Complete Missouri Department of Economic Development’s application
• Local Enhanced Enterprise Zone approval
• Annual reporting requirements for continued benefits

Both the Small Business Loan Program and the MDFB Programs work best alongside other incentives like Missouri Works or Chapter 100.

Small Business Loan Program

A targeted financing tool for small Missouri-based businesses.

• Offers low-interest loans to businesses with 15 or fewer employees
• Business must be Missouri-owned and operated
• Can finance:
  • Facility expansion
  • Purchase of equipment
  • Workforce training or development
• Often administered through the Missouri First or Missouri Linked Deposit Program in partnership with local banks

Missouri Development Finance Board (MDFB) Programs
Supports capital investment through multiple financing tools, especially for manufacturing, infrastructure, and redevelopment projects.
Key MDFB Programs:

• Industrial Development Bonds (IDBs):
  • Taxable or tax-exempt bond financing
  • May fund up to 100% of project costs for eligible borrowers
  • Projects must meet public benefit standards (e.g., job creation, infrastructure)
  • Interest rates vary, but can be lower than conventional loans
• Infrastructure Development Programs:
  • Helps finance public infrastructure (roads, water, sewer) tied to economic development projects
• Tax Credit for Contribution Program:
  • Encourages private donations to public infrastructure or redevelopment by offering state tax credits in return

Missouri’s locally administered incentive that allows cities or counties to issue taxable or tax-exempt industrial development bonds on behalf of a company. It offers a powerful combination of project financing and property tax abatement, helping reduce upfront costs and improve project ROI, especially for capital-intensive expansions.

Eligibility:

• Manufacturers, distribution centers, office operations, R&D facilities, and select other project types
• Projects that involve significant investment and/or job creation

Benefits:

• Property tax abatement (typically 50–100%) on real and/or personal property
• Sales tax exemption on construction materials and eligible equipment
• Financing through bonds at potentially lower interest rates
• Local governments hold title to the project assets during the abatement period (lease-back structure)

Application Process:

• Contact us to apply

Missouri Works is the state’s premier business incentive program, designed to reduce up-front risk for companies while rewarding job creation and investment. It allows qualifying businesses to retain state withholding taxes from new employees and access refundable, transferable tax credits.

Eligibility:
To qualify, companies must:

• Create net new full-time jobs in Missouri
• Offer competitive wages and benefits
• Be in a qualifying industry (Excludes: retail, food service, gambling, most healthcare)
• Be in good standing (no tax delinquencies or bankruptcy)

Benefits:

• Keep 100% of state withholding taxes from new jobs
• Receive refundable and transferable tax credits
• Benefit term: 5 years, or 6 years for existing Missouri companies
• Accelerated benefits available through the Deal Closing Fund

Application Process:

• Request a proposal from the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED)
• Submit a Notice of Intent at least 90 days prior to project announcement
• Receive an approval letter prior to any construction or purchases
• Create required jobs and capital investment within 2 years

Missouri One Start

Missouri’s flagship workforce development program, offering customized training and recruitment solutions for new and expanding businesses.

Program Features:

• Tailored training designed around company-specific processes and skill needs
• Flexible delivery: on-site, at training centers, or hybrid
• State funding support helps offset training costs (varies by project scope)
• Covers a wide range of training needs, including:
  • Technical and production skills
  • Quality and safety training
  • Leadership and supervisory development
  • Professional and soft skills

Eligibility:

• Companies must be creating new jobs or retraining employees due to new processes, technology, or capital investment
• Projects should involve a significant capital investment or operational expansion
• Jobs must offer competitive wages and benefits

There are numerous energy-related incentives, including

Rate Reductions

• Industrial rate structures for qualifying manufacturing operations
• Interruptible service rates for flexible operations
• Time-of-use rates for energy management

Infrastructure Support

• Engineering assistance for facility planning
• Infrastructure grants for utility extensions
• Expedited service connections for qualifying projects

Energy Efficiency Programs

• Rebates for energy-efficient equipment
• Technical assistance for facility optimization
• Custom efficiency solutions for large users

Through strong partnerships with Ozarks Technical Community College, Missouri State University, and regional community colleges, the regional delivers industry-specific training, customized programs, and registered apprenticeships that align directly with employer needs. These institutions work hand-in-hand with businesses to build a pipeline of skilled talent ensuring companies can ramp up quickly and stay competitive. Learn more on our Workforce page.