NEXT Missouri Releases 2025 Policy Priorities
NEXT Missouri today released its policy priorities for the upcoming legislative session that begins in January.
In 2025, NEXT Missouri will continue to champion policies that encourage investment in Missouri businesses and strengthen the statewide entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Entrepreneurs and their young businesses create nearly all new jobs in Missouri,” said NEXT Missouri Coalition Director Jason Wiens. “Our 2025 policy priorities build on existing support we’ve cultivated in Jefferson City to make Missouri the best state for starting and growing new companies.”
NEXT Missouri’s policy priorities are a reflection of member and stakeholder feedback received throughout 2024.
Join us in advocating for these, and other, policies that will grow Missouri’s economy by becoming a member of our team of advocates.
2025 Policy Priorities
1. Catalyze Investment in New Missouri Businesses
NEXT Missouri supports passage of the Missouri Angel Investment Incentive Act (HB 235 and SB 461) to stimulate investment in startups–the source of 81% of new jobs in Missouri.
By creating a new tax credit, the state can jumpstart new capital markets for entrepreneurs so their early-stage, innovative companies can grow here in Missouri.
The Missouri Angel Investment Incentive Act will help Missouri compete with its neighbors, six of which have similar tax credits that lure businesses across state lines.
2. Invest in the Missouri Technology Corporation
NEXT Missouri supports a strong budget allocation for the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), a public-private partnership that promotes entrepreneurship and fosters the growth of new and emerging high-tech companies.
MTC strategically deploys state dollars back to communities to increase access to business support services, commercialize new technologies, and grow our economy.
The General Assembly provided $8.5 million to MTC in 2024.
NEXT Missouri also supports:
Expanding access to capital for all entrepreneurs and small businesses, including by making community development financial institutions eligible borrowers of low-interest loans through MOBUCK$.
Strengthening the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by standing up the newly created Office of Entrepreneurship, improving the collection and reporting of disaggregated data on new and small businesses, incentivizing innovation, and supporting regional efforts to secure EDA, NSF, and other competitive federal awards.
Removing barriers to starting a business and hiring workers by lowering child care costs and improving access.
Igniting a passion for entrepreneurship among Missouri students, including through STEM Career Awareness Activity grants.