Applications open for Regional Node Planning Grant Program – Missouri

The Missouri Technology Corporation is seeking applications for the Regional Node Planning Grant Program.

Donor Name: Missouri Technology Corporation

State: Missouri

County: All Counties

Type of Grant: Grant

Deadline: 09/26/2023

Size of the Grant: $50,000

Grant Duration: 6 months

Details:

MTC is seeking to award planning grants to create regional “nodes” which are intended to incentivize more of Missouri’s communities to successfully coalesce their assets to best support 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 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.

Program Goals and Objectives

Regions should use the grant-based funding to:

• Collaboratively develop a plan that clearly articulates the role of each partner organization in the regional node
• Show how the plan will eliminate regional silos
• Develop an inclusive environment where collective efforts surpass individual capabilities
• Identify ways to fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Funding Information

Population of Regional Node Area      Maximum Grant Award

• 50,000 or less                        –                           $10,000
• 50,000 – 100,000                –                           $15,000
• 100,000 – 500,000              –                           $25,000
• 500,000 – 1,000,000          –                           $35,000
• 1,000,000 or more               –                           $50,000

Period of Performance

The grant period commences on December 1, 2023, and terminates on May 31, 2024. All grant activities must be completed prior to May 31, 2024, and applications must explicitly include the timing for the expenditure of the grant funds.

Usage of Funds Examples

• Partner organizations and community stakeholder planning meetings
• Quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis to understand regional strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats
• Engagement of consultants to facilitate planning efforts and community engagement processes.

Eligibility Criteria

• The lead 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.
• 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.

For more information, visit MTC.