The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) is Missouri’s primary state-level vehicle for fostering entrepreneurship and innovation—key drivers of economic growth and new job creation. Through early-stage investments and competitive grants to entrepreneurship support organizations, MTC helps Missouri businesses launch, grow, and create jobs. Given its important role in the state’s economic future, NEXT Missouri, Inc., supports elevating MTC as an economic development priority and resourcing it accordingly.

• Protect and Increase Funding for MTC

  NEXT Missouri, Inc. supports protecting MTC’s $2.5 million FY2027 appropriation and increasing it so MTC can expand its reach and impact across Missouri. Sustained and increased funding will help more Missouri startups access capital, attract private investment, create jobs, and contribute to long-term economic growth.

NEXT Missouri, Inc. supports policies that expand access to affordable financing for Missouri small businesses and strengthen the state’s small business lending ecosystem.

• Expand MOBUCK$ to Include Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)

  NEXT Missouri, Inc. supports expanding Missouri’s MOBUCK$ program to allow participating banks to make low-interest loans to eligible CDFIs. These mission-driven lenders fill critical gaps in the capital market by extending credit to small businesses that may struggle to secure traditional bank financing due to factors such as loan size, limited credit history, or gaps in local lending options. Expanding MOBUCK$ would create new channels for affordable capital to reach Missouri small businesses.

NEXT Missouri, Inc. supports policies that help Missouri startups access the investment capital they need to launch, grow, create jobs, and become engines of economic growth.

• Support Successful Implementation of the Missouri Angel Investment Tax Credit

  In 2026, NEXT Missouri, Inc. led the effort to pass legislation (HB 3231) establishing the Missouri Angel Investment Tax Credit, which is designed to encourage greater private investment in promising Missouri startups. NEXT Missouri, Inc. will work with the Missouri Technology Corporation, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and other stakeholders to promote awareness and support effective implementation and utilization of the program.

NEXT Missouri, Inc. supports policies that help Missouri initiatives win competitive awards that will strengthen the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, drive innovation, and grow the economy.

• Build Support for a Statewide Matching Funds Mechanism

  Federal grants and other competitive awards can bring significant new resources to Missouri’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, but matching fund requirements can put otherwise competitive proposals out of reach. NEXT Missouri will raise awareness about this challenge and explore solutions that help entrepreneurship support organizations and other eligible initiatives secure the matching funds needed to compete for competitive awards, bringing more investment into Missouri without diverting resources from existing priorities.

NEXT Missouri, Inc. will continue working with partners and stakeholders to advance policies aligned with our Platform pillars that strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation throughout Missouri, including:

• Opportunity: Leveraging Missouri’s competitive advantages in emerging and innovation-driven industries, including biosciences, agricultural technology, geospatial technology, and critical materials, to foster entrepreneurship, create jobs, and drive long-term economic growth.

  Opportunity: Supporting Missouri’s Office of Entrepreneurship in its efforts to connect and strengthen Missouri’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

  Opportunity: Expanding opportunities for Missouri startups and emerging businesses to compete for and win government contracts.

  Funding: Extending the Qualified Research Expense Tax Credit and preserving the small business set-aside.

  Funding: Maximizing the impact of SSBCI funding by exploring additional ways in which federal dollars can help close financing gaps and promote business growth.

  Knowledge: Expanding entrepreneurs’ access to training, technical assistance, and hands-on support through entrepreneurship support organizations across Missouri.

  Support: Expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care so more Missourians can pursue entrepreneurship.