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Business Links to Helpful Organizations & Government Agencies

While this site provides access to basic information for starting and operating a business in Missouri, it is only a starting point. It is not intended to provide legal advice or replace the services of an attorney, accountant or other professional.

Missouri Business Portal
The Portal is a gateway to your business in Missouri, a one-stop shop for business owners to access on-line information on operating businesses in this state. The site focuses on four key areas in business operations: research, registration, maintenance and resources. There is information to guide business owners through the procedures and regulations for starting a business, growing a business and wrapping up a business. It also provides links to other state and federal agency websites with information on employment taxes, development and capital raising programs and business consulting.
Missouri Secretary of State Corporations Division
Almost all businesses transacting business in Missouri must file with the Secretary of State in order to form or register the business. This link provides detailed information about the different types of business entities, filings required of those entities, filing fees, and contact information. Forms for most types of documents required to be filed are available for downloading from the Secretary of State Corporations Division forms page.
BIG Missouri Linked Deposit Program - Missouri State Treasurers Office
The BIG Missouri Linked Deposit program is administered through the State Treasurer's Office to enable financial institutions to make low-cost loans to businesses and farms to create jobs and help Missouri's economy grow.

State funds are deposited in financial institutions at a discounted rate, and that discount is passed along to borrower. The loans and all associated risks are the responsibility of the bank. Borrowers save 25 percent to 30 percent on capital they need to help their businesses and farms become viable.

University of Missouri-Columbia Community Development Extension Program
Many small community groups and organizations are doing great work all over the State of Missouri. Sometimes they struggle to decide whether or not to formally incorporate. For some groups it is an easy choice and for others it is not. This project was designed to help groups as they decide whether or not to formally incorporate and to guide them through the process should they decide to create a 501(c)(3) corporation.
Missouri Business Development Programs
This site provides extensive information on all aspects of business formation and operation in Missouri, including information pertaining to licensing, formation, financing, hiring, taxes, marketing and resources.

The Missouri Business Development Program (MBDP) serves as a centralized point of contact for state requirements to do business in Missouri. MBDP staff can help both the seasoned business owner and the first-time entrepreneur begin operations with confidence knowing that all legal requirements have been met.

MBDP services and programs include:

  • Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC)
  • Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center
  • Missouri Small Business Technology Development Centers
  • A business start-up packet customized to your particular business.
  • A copy of "Starting A New Business in Missouri" -- a simple-to-use guide for both new start-ups and seasoned business owners.
  • Information on state-level licenses, fees, permits and regulations affecting your business and copies of many state forms.
  • Assistance in obtaining a sales tax number.
  • Help in communicating and resolving problems with state government agencies.
  • Information on sources of financing.
  • Referral to local, state and federal agencies, professional associations and local organizations that provide business education and counseling.
  • Information on writing a business plan.
  • Help in locating a Missouri supplier or manufacturer of specific products and services.
  • Information on importing and exporting products.
SCORE - Counselors to America's Small Business
This site provides free, confidential business advice from business professionals and counselors, as well as information and links to resources such as small business grants, free eNewsletters, and more.

If you are a current or retired business professional and would like to help entrepreneurs launch their businesses, you can contact either the national SCORE office or your local Missouri SCORE chapter.

Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Business owners are faced with a maze of legal and regulatory requirements concerning their employees. This Missouri agency provides helpful information on issues such as disability, discrimination, job seeking services, labor market, labor laws, unemployment, workers' compensation, and worker safety.

USTAR (Unemployment State Tax Automated Reporting)
USTAR provides for the filing of Quarterly Contribution and Wage Reports and submitting of Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) payments online. USTAR automatically calculates the total, excess, and taxable wages and contributions due, allows businesses to submit account chages and provides account services. Save time and money by using USTAR.
Office of Supplier & Workforce Diversity (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Businesses)
The mission of the Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity is to promote a diversified workforce within state government and to assist women and minorities in developing opportunities to contract with the state, economically empowering traditionally underserved communities and improving the overall fiscal vitality of the State of Missouri. The vision of the office is to serve as a resource for promoting diversity within the state workforce and improving the opportunities for women and minorities to access state employment opportunities and state contracts through excellent service and efficient use of resources.

The Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity (OSWD) serves as a resource to further improve business and economic opportunities for Missouri's women-owned and minority-owned businesses. OSWD’s efforts toward this goal can be categorized into several primary functions: namely, Certification of Minority/Women Business Enterprises, Education and Outreach, and Matchmaking Activities.

State taxation
The Missouri Department of Revenue site provides tax forms, publications, information, answers to frequently asked questions, court case summaries, and letter rulings relating to income, sales/use, and other business taxes.
Federal taxation
This Internal Revenue Service site map includes information about federal taxation and reporting.
U.S. Small Business Administration
The Small Business Administration (SBA) is a federal agency that offers a wide variety of services for new and expanding businesses, including business seminars on advertising/marketing, financing sources, record-keeping, insurance, legal considerations, computers, and business loan programs. SBA also offers free counseling to small businesses through the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE). The Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide management assistance to current and prospective small business owners in regional branch locations.
Missouri State Government
This link provides web sites for the Missouri legislature and elected officials, and links to most agencies and departments of the executive branch of Missouri state government.