Regional Node Grant Program

About the Regional Node Grant Program
To support the development of regional nodes across the state to allow entrepreneurs direct access to resources in their regions, MTC launched a Regional Node Planning Grant Program in the summer of 2023. The 2024 Regional Node Grant Program is intended to provide funds for the implementation or execution of each region’s strategy for the establishment or continued operations of regional entrepreneurial nodes. Recipients of a Regional Node Grant are not required to have applied for or been awarded a Regional Node Planning Grant.

For the most detailed and specific information about the Regional Node Grant Program, please review the Grant Proposal Guidelines (PDF) below. 

Program Goals and Objectives
MTC is seeking to award grant-based financial support for the creation of regional “nodes” which are intended to incentivize more of Missouri’s communities to successfully coalesce their assets in support of innovation and entrepreneurship through coordinated partnerships among entrepreneurial service organizations within the node. A successful node will serve as a front door for the regional entrepreneurial community, allowing entrepreneurs to more easily access the resources they need to launch or grow their businesses, thereby expanding the state’s entrepreneurial capacity.

As a result of having access to quality support and services, regardless of location and company stage, regional nodes are intended to not only maximize the number of technology-based, high-growth potential startups but also encourage growth and scale within the state. In addition, regions will be able to use the grant-based funding to support all of their entrepreneurs and businesses, regardless of industry sector or business stage.

Regional nodes strive to create an inclusive atmosphere where member organizations can collaborate beyond their individual capabilities. Partnerships formed through the regional nodes will spur economic development and growth in the region.

Eligible Applicants
Each grant proposal submitted for consideration is required to include at least three partner organizations (including the Applicant Organization). The partner organizations will be required to engage in the activities of the planning grant and submit letters of commitment. Partner organizations are not required to be non-profit organizations or public or private non-profit Missouri research institutions, including institutions of higher education. 

The primary applicant and fiscal agent (Applicant Organization) is required to be a:

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

Term of the Program
The grant period (2 years) commences on September 1, 2024 and terminates on August 31, 2026. All grant activities must be completed prior to August 31, 2026, and applications must include specific timing for the expenditure of the grant funds.

Budget Restrictions
The request for financial support should be specific and narrowly tailored to the plan outlined in the application submitted to MTC and reflect the actual funding needs of the Applicant Organization for the development of the node.

The maximum grant award amounts as determined based on the size and complexity of the region the node will represent are outlined below.  

Population Node Represents

 Maximum Grant Award

200,000 or less

$100,000

200,000 – 500,000

$150,000

500,000 – 1,000,000

$200,000
1,000,000 or more

$250,000

 

Key Application Dates:

  • Application Period Open – Thursday, March 21, 2024
  • Informational Webinar – 10-11am, Wednesday, April 3, 2024
    MTC Spring Grant Info Session Slides 240403
  • Final Submission Deadline – Wednesday, April 24, 2024
  • Award Notifications – Early August 2024

2024 Regional Node Grant Program Documents:

2023 Regional Node Planning Grant Awardees:

  • Bootheel Regional Corporation
  • Duree Center for Entrepreneurship at Lindenwood University
  • Missouri Innovation Center, Inc
  • OPO Startups Foundation
  • Ozark Foothills Development Association
  • Southeast Missouri Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission
  • Springfield Business Development Corporation
  • TechSTL
  • UMKC Innovation Center

Counties Included in Awarded Regional Node Planning Grants 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact for Questions
Please email Nate Marschalk.