Business Incentives & Funding Opportunities in Carthage, MO

Support That Makes Growth Possible

Expanding, relocating, or launching a business comes with big decisions, and even bigger investments. At the Carthage Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), we help businesses like yours bridge the gap between vision and viability by identifying and facilitating access to powerful financial incentives at the local and state level. These programs can significantly lower your startup or expansion costs, reduce long-term tax burdens, and create the financial momentum you need to succeed.

What Are Business Incentives?

Business incentives are tools used by cities and states to attract new investment, support job creation, and accelerate economic growth. They come in many forms; tax abatements, financing programs, workforce grants, and more, and are often tailored to the type of project and its potential impact. Our job at CEDC is to help you find and use the right combination of tools for your business, whether you’re growing locally or considering a move to Carthage.

Local Incentive Programs (Carthage, MO)

Enhanced Enterprise Zone (EEZ)

Qualifying businesses that create jobs and invest in designated areas of Carthage may be eligible for:

  • Local property tax abatements

  • Missouri state tax credits

  • Additional benefits based on project scope and job creation

The EEZ program helps reduce upfront costs and makes long-term investment more feasible for businesses in key industries.

Carthage Redevelopment Corporation (CRC)

The Carthage Redevelopment Corporation provides a mechanism for the city to actively support major redevelopment projects by acting as a property owner or facilitator.

Eligible benefits may include:

  • Land acquisition and property assembly

  • Site preparation and development assistance

  • Public-private partnership support

The CRC allows Carthage to take a more hands-on role in transformative development efforts, helping complex projects move forward with greater speed and flexibility.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF)

TIF allows a portion of new tax revenue generated by your development to be reinvested into your project. This can help cover:

  • Infrastructure improvements

  • Site preparation

  • Utilities and public improvements
    It’s an effective way to make large-scale developments financially viable.

Community Improvement District (CID) & Transportation Development District (TDD)

CIDs and TDDs allow property or business owners within a defined boundary to impose a small additional sales tax, typically up to 1%, to fund improvements within the district.

CID-eligible improvements may include:

  • Public infrastructure and beautification

  • Security, signage, and marketing

  • Maintenance and operational services

TDDs focus on:

  • Transportation improvements like roads, sidewalks, lighting, and traffic signals

These tools offer flexible, self-funded solutions for enhancing commercial areas and supporting long-term district development.

Chapter 100 Industrial Revenue Bonds (IRBs)

Chapter 100 IRBs can offer:

  • Property tax abatement on real and personal property

  • Sales tax exemption on construction materials and equipment

These bonds are issued by the city and are especially helpful for capital-intensive projects.

Neighborhood Improvement District (NID)

NIDs are created by property owners in a defined area to fund public infrastructure improvements through special assessments.

Potential uses include:

  • Streetscaping and sidewalk upgrades

  • Stormwater and utility improvements

  • Landscaping, lighting, and beautification

NIDs are ideal for revitalizing commercial corridors or supporting infrastructure upgrades that directly benefit a specific business district.

State Incentive Programs (Missouri)

From city leadership to economic partners, Carthage offers more than just incentive programs! We offer people who want to see your business succeed. You’ll find a team that’s ready to work alongside you, help navigate the details, and celebrate your wins. This kind of hands-on support transforms incentive programs from paperwork into real progress, making Carthage not just a place to do business, but a place to grow.

Missouri Works Program

Designed to support job creation, this program offers eligible businesses:

  • State tax credits tied to new job creation

  • Access to capital for business expansion

  • Streamlined application and approval process through Missouri DED

The Missouri Works Program helps reduce the cost of hiring and growing your workforce while rewarding long-term investment in the state.

Historic Preservation Tax Credits

Designed to encourage the rehabilitation of eligible historic structures, this program offers:

  • Tax credits equal to 25% of qualified rehabilitation expenses

  • Eligibility for both income-producing and certain residential properties

  • Potential stacking with federal preservation credits

This incentive is a great fit for businesses restoring historic buildings in Carthage’s commercial districts, turning heritage into economic opportunity.

Missouri One Start

This program provides customized workforce recruitment and training support. Qualified businesses can benefit from:

  • State-funded training programs tailored to your needs

  • Access to local workforce development partnerships

  • Tools to quickly ramp up hiring with qualified candidates

Missouri One Start is ideal for businesses needing to build a skilled team efficiently and affordably.

Neighborhood Preservation Act

Aimed at revitalizing Missouri neighborhoods, this program provides:

  • Tax credits to property owners building or rehabilitating homes in qualifying areas

  • Credit amounts based on construction costs and project location

  • Additional consideration for investment in low- to moderate-income areas

Ideal for developers and small business owners involved in mixed-use or live/work space projects, this program supports community improvement through thoughtful development.

BUILD Program

For large-scale projects that meet specific investment and job creation thresholds, the BUILD program offers:

  • Long-term financing assistance

  • Potential state tax benefits and infrastructure support

  • Incentives designed to retain or attract major employers

BUILD is best suited for transformational projects that bring significant capital and employment to Missouri communities.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

NIDs are created by property owners in a defined area to fund public infrastructure improvements through special assessments.

Potential uses include:

  • Streetscaping and sidewalk upgrades

  • Stormwater and utility improvements

  • Landscaping, lighting, and beautification

NIDs are ideal for revitalizing commercial corridors or supporting infrastructure upgrades that directly benefit a specific business district.

Educational Video Series

Learn How Carthage Works for Business

Curious about how incentives work? Wondering what it takes to start or grow a business in Carthage? Our educational video series breaks down key topics, from development tools to local success stories, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. Whether you're just starting out or planning your next expansion, these quick, insightful videos connect you directly to the knowledge, people, and resources that power Carthage’s business community.

Intro to Economic Development Incentives

In this first video of our new series, Jeff Meredith, CEO of the Carthage Economic Development Corporation, introduces the purpose of economic development incentives in Missouri—and how they’re being leveraged right here in Carthage. As communities like Carthage compete to attract and retain retail, manufacturing, and logistics businesses, understanding how public tax dollars can strategically support private development is key. Stay tuned as we explore the incentive programs that fuel smart, sustainable growth for Carthage, Missouri and the surrounding region.

Carthage Redevelopment Corporation

Jeff Meredith, CEO of the Carthage Economic Development Corporation, breaks down the Carthage Redevelopment Corporation—also known as a 353 Corporation under Missouri law. This powerful economic development tool helps eliminate blight by offering property tax abatements of up to 25 years for qualifying redevelopment projects across Carthage, not just downtown. From commercial and industrial to residential and mixed-use developments, 353 incentives can make the difference in whether a project breaks ground. With specific job creation and investment thresholds, this program supports long-term growth and revitalization across the city.

Industrial Revenue Bonds

In this segment, Jeff Meredith, CEO of the Carthage Economic Development Corporation, explains Chapter 100 financing—also known as industrial revenue bonds. This powerful incentive tool is designed to attract and retain large-scale manufacturing and industrial projects in Carthage, Missouri by easing the upfront tax burden on major investments. Projects qualifying for Chapter 100 typically involve at least $5 million in real estate and equipment and create or retain a minimum of 50 above-average wage jobs. For communities like Carthage, this program is key to long-term economic growth and competitive business recruitment.

Community Improvement District & Transportation Development District

In this installment, Jeff Meredith, CEO of the Carthage Economic Development Corporation, highlights the benefits of Community Improvement Districts (CID) and Transportation Development Districts (TDD) as powerful tools to support retail and infrastructure growth in Carthage, Missouri. These programs allow an extra sales tax, up to one cent, to be collected within a defined district, generating funds for development projects. While CIDs can fund broad improvements like utilities, parking, and public amenities, TDDs focus on transportation-specific upgrades. These localized tax strategies help fund progress without burdening the wider community, fueling smart growth right where it's needed.

Why Work With CEDC?

  • Local Guidance — We walk you through each step of the incentive process, from applications to approvals.

  • Custom-Tailored Support — No two businesses are the same. We build a strategy based on your needs, not a checklist.

  • Strong Partnerships — We coordinate with city officials, state agencies, and utility providers to streamline your experience.

  • Proven Success — CEDC has helped secure millions in incentives for businesses operating in Carthage, including manufacturing, logistics, retail, and service sectors.

Explore Startup Resources

Whether you’re planning your first location or expanding your current operations, Carthage offers real tools to make your project more feasible and financially sound. Through the Carthage Economic Development Corporation (CEDC), you’ll find expert guidance, meaningful partnerships, and a range of programs designed to help you grow with confidence and invest with impact.

Let's Make Your Project Happen

In Carthage, we believe in removing barriers, not building them. If you’re ready to grow your business, relocate, or invest in a community that invests back—this is your opportunity.

Contact us today using the form provided to learn more about how incentives can make your business vision a reality.

Let’s build your future in Carthage!