Missouri
State Resources
Missouri, considered the Gateway to the West, is symbolized by the Gateway Arch acting as a launching point for westward expansion. St. Joseph, Missouri, was the starting point for the Pony Express and a key stop on the Oregon Trail. The state is a hub for medical research and biotech innovation with institutions like the University of Missouri (Mizzou), Washington University in St. Louis, and Missouri State University. The food, beverage, and forest products sectors make up roughly a third of Missouri’s economy. Major companies such as Anheuser-Busch have a significant presence in the state and invest in creating more manufacturing jobs.
The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) endeavors to foster an environment conducive to economic growth by providing comprehensive support to businesses and diverse industries within the state. The DED offers a range of programs tailored to assist businesses in various aspects, including emerging science and technology companies, growth, and expansion within Missouri. The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) plays a pivotal role in promoting “entrepreneurship and fosters the growth of new and emerging high-tech companies.” MTC is a public-private partnership established by the state of Missouri General Assembly to promote entrepreneurship and foster the growth of new and emerging high-tech companies. The MTC’s primary focus is on the life sciences and technology industries. Its mission is to “provide leadership and make strategic investments that assist entrepreneurs in establishing and growing technology-based businesses in Missouri.” The MTC offers a range of grant programs described below to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the state.
IDEA Fund Program
The IDEA Fund is a state of Missouri – sponsored venture capital program administered by MTC. IDEA invests in Missouri’s emerging science and technology companies to foster growth and attract further investment. The fund comprises three distinct programs tailored to support startups at varying growth stages:
TechLaunch Program
This program caters to pre-seed or seed-stage technology startups raising less than $1 million. It provides up to $100,000 in investment and necessitates a matching co-investment.
Seed Capital Program
This program is designed for companies operating in the seed or Series A stage, raising funds between $1 million and $5 million. It offers up to $500,000 in investment and requires a matching co-investment to advance technology or science, as well as business development.
Venture Capital Program
Targets Series A or later-stage companies raising funds between $5 million and $20 million. IDEA provides up to $2 million in investment and matching co-investment. To be eligible for this program, the company must identify a lead investor with relevant domain expertise and/or significant due diligence experience, as determined by MTC. The requirement for a lead investor is waived if 25% of the funding round is identified, and the company maintains good standing.
Interested small business are encouraged to contact the IDEA FUND Program to review eligibility guidelines. Information on the MTC IDEA Fund 2026 can be found here. Download the FY26 IDEA Fund Application. Start application process here.
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Building Grants
MTC offers a diverse range of grant programs to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the state of Missouri. For example, the Physical Infrastructure Grants are designed to help entrepreneurs acquire necessary physical infrastructure (such as co-working spaces, office spaces with flexible leases, meeting rooms, etc.) to establish and expand their businesses. Grant proposals can be requested with respect to one-, two-, or three-year operational plans. The MTC Board of Directors has approved nearly $1.9 million in funding for the 2025 Physical Infrastructure Grant Program cycle.
