U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $3.9 Million to Support Entrepreneurs and Manufacturing Business Growth in Missouri

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding $3.9 million in grants to support economic development efforts in communities in Missouri.

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., St. Louis, will receive a $2.7 million grant for construction of the Urban League Plaza and Innovation Center, which will offer space and business development services for underserved minority and women entrepreneurs. This EDA grant will be matched with $4.2 million in local funds and is expected to create nearly 250 jobs and generate $497,500 in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

The city of Mountain Grove will receive a $1.2 million grant to expand water and wastewater infrastructure to serve a new manufacturing facility and other business needs. This EDA grant will be matched with $569,408 in local funds and is expected to create or retain 48 jobs and generate $1.9 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

“President Biden is committed to supporting communities across the country as they seek to build a better America,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “These EDA investments will provide resources and infrastructure for businesses to grow and thrive, strengthening the regional economies across the state of Missouri.”

“The Economic Development Administration is pleased to provide targeted investments to communities in Missouri,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “These EDA grants will provide direct support to businesses in both St. Louis and the Ozarks, so that each community can boost their regional economies.”

“The smart, targeted investments announced today will go a long way toward creating new opportunities in the St. Louis and Mountain Grove areas,” said Senator Roy Blunt. “With our state’s central location, top academic institutions, and growing footprint in cutting edge research, technology and advanced manufacturing, we are well positioned for strong economic growth in the years ahead. I commend all of the local stakeholders who were instrumental in securing this grant funding, and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

“I am pleased to see the Economic Development Administration invest in our region and in the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to advance innovation and business development services for entrepreneurs from underserved communities,” said Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01). “As we pursue equitable economic development, we must prioritize initiatives that lift up our entire community, including in ways that center and advance racial justice. With this investment, St. Louis is moving one step closer towards that goal.”

The Mountain Grove project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the South Central Ozark Council of Governments (SCOCOG). EDA funds SCOCOG to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.