Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity

About the MOBEC Grant Program
To create more home-grown, high-tech companies, Missouri must support entrepreneurs and foster innovation. It is for this reason that the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity program (MOBEC) is a cornerstone of MTC’s investment strategy. Through the MOBEC grant program, MTC makes strategic investments that expand the support system for entrepreneurs that are commercializing new technologies or that enhance the capacity of Missouri to grow its innovation economy.

MTC will be focused on funding organizations and programs that are aligned with the strategies and action items included in the Catalyzing Innovation Report.

Applicants must specify whether their grant proposal is for Project Support or Operations Support. Project Support funding is specifically allocated for a singular project or program. This funding can only be utilized for the specific scope outlined in the grant proposal and cannot be diverted to unrelated projects or programs. Operations Support funding aims to assist the applicant organization in meeting its mission by addressing its day-to-day requirements. This funding can be utilized for ongoing operations as well as multiple projects or programs.

For the most detailed and specific information about the MOBEC grant program, please review the PDF Grant Proposal Guidelines below. 

New for Fiscal Year 2024

• Applicant organization may request funding for up to three years.
• Maximum award amounts are set at:
  • 1 year: $150,000
  • 2 years: $325,000
  • 3 years: $500,000
• Applicants will be able to apply for Operations Support and/or Program Support grants.

Program Goals
In alignment with the Catalyzing Innovation Report, the MOBEC Grant Program seeks to enhance the capacity of non-profit organizations that support entrepreneurs who are:

• commercializing new technologies around which high-growth companies can be created; and
• creating sustainable, high-paying, private sector jobs based on the establishment or growth of new and emerging companies.

Eligible Applicants

• Public or private non-profit Missouri research institutions, including institutions of higher education
• Non-profit entrepreneurial support or related organizations

Term of the Program and Budget Restrictions
Grant proposals can be requested for organizations with a one-, two-, or three-year implementation plan. Grant proposals submitted with an anticipated start/initiation date after May 1, 2024, will not be considered for funding. MTC will not award one-year grants over $150,000, two-year grants over $325,000, and three-year grants over $500,000.

Fiscal Year 2024 MOBEC Grant Program Application Dates:

• Application Period Open: Wednesday, September 20, 2023
• Webinar Info and Q&A session: 3pm on Wednesday, October 4, 2023
• Application Deadline: Wednesday, Nov 1^st, 11:59pm, 2023
• Award notification: Late January, 2024