Nixon announces $350K grant to support Springfield startups
SBJ Staff
Posted online
Gov. Jay Nixon today announced Springfield would receive a $350,000 grant to support startups.
The funding goes to Springfield Innovation Inc., a nonprofit designed to help entrepreneurs bring new technologies to the marketplace. The grant is provided through Missouri Technology Corp., a public-private partnership promoting entrepreneurship. Nixon’s fiscal 2016 budget includes nearly $16 million for MTC programs, according to a news release.
The grant for Springfield Innovation is earmarked for mentorship opportunities, facilities and co-working spaces, access to capital and other resources.
“Springfield is poised for growth. This investment will allow us to move forward with investing in the future of Missouri entrepreneurs through our accelerator program,” said Springfield Innovation CEO Allen Kunkel, who’s also associate vice president for economic development at Missouri State University, in the release. “By strengthening our ecosystem, local startups will be able to access the resources they need to grow right here in Springfield.”
Nixon also announced today a $325,000 grant to Cape Girardeau startup competition 1st50K.