Eight counties | 36 cities | one region

a voluntary council of local governments
serving the missouri meramec area.

Business Loans

Country Feeds in St. James, MO is a family owned feed store that used funding through MRPC’s RLF program.

Businesses looking to start up or expand in the Meramec Region will find an abundance of financing tools – ranging from loans to tax credits – to assist them along the way.

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Meramec Regional Planning Commission’s CARES Revolving Loan Fund (RLF)
The CARES RLF new loan program is designed to provide financing for small businesses – in particular to quickly and efficiently meet the needs of those impacted by COVID-19.  The loan program is structured to include simplified loan applications and closing procedures, reduced loan application fees, reduced borrower equity and collateral requirements and reduced interest rates.MRPC and the Meramec Regional Development Corporation (MRDC), who will work as the loan review agent, consider loan requests from $5,000 to $200,000 for businesses located in the Meramec Region. The program will allow borrowers to finance up to 90 percent of the total project cost. Projects up to $50,000 do not require a participating lender. For projects over $50,000, a participating lender must finance a minimum of 25 percent up to 50 percent of the total cost. The loan terms are up to eight years for working capital and typically 15 years for fixed assets with reduced interest rates. Additionally, for every $50,000 borrowed the business must create or retain one job and all businesses need to demonstrate an impact from COVID-19 when applying. 
MRPC CARES-RLF Informational Flyer
MRPC CARES-RLF Preliminary Loan Application: Working Capital & Fixed Asset Loans up to $50,000
MRPC CARES- RLF Loan Application: Working Capital & Fixed Assets up to $50,000
MRPC CARES-RLF Preliminary Loan Application: Working Capital & Fixed Asset Loans over $50,000
MRPC CARES-RLF Loan Application: Working Capital & Fixed Assets over $50,000
Contact: Candace Connell, Meramec Regional Planning Commission at 573-263-8651
Maria Bancroft, Meramec Regional Development Corp., 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 at 573-265-2993 Ext. 114.

Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 Loan Program
This loan program assists new and expanding businesses with projects involving fixed assets, such as land, buildings, machinery and equipment and debt refinance. Total project may be from $50,000 and up. The applicant must participate with a private lender. Typical loans require at least 10 percent investment by the applicant, 50 percent by the private lender and the remaining 40 percent (or a maximum of $5,000,000; for small manufacturers $5,500,000) by SBA. The SBA portion of the 504 loan will be at a fixed rate for a fixed term, up to 25 years depending on the use of proceeds. One job per $65,000 must be created or retained or must meet other economic goals. SBA loan applications are prepared by the MRPC staff.
MRDC Loan Application 2019
Loan Packaging Checklist 2019
Contact: Maria Bancroft, Meramec Regional Development Corp., 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 at 573-265-2993 Ext. 114.

Meramec Regional Planning Commission Revolving Loan Funds (RLF & IRP)
This is a local fund designed to provide loan money to small businesses in Crawford, Dent, Gasconade, Maries, Osage, Phelps, Pulaski and Washington counties in order to induce private lenders’ participation in projects that will retain or create employment. The Revolving Loan Fund can provide up to 40 percent of the funding or a maximum of $100,000, funding 50 percent with a private lender and the applicant supplying 10 percent. One job must be created or retained for each $20,000 of RLF requested. Loan applications are prepared and serviced by the MRPC staff.
MRDC Loan Application 2019
Loan Packaging Checklist 2019
Contact: Maria Bancroft, Meramec Regional Development Corp., 4 Industrial Drive, St. James, MO 65559 at 573-265-2993 Ext. 114.

United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development – Business & Industry Loan Guarantees
This program guarantees loans by eligible local lenders to businesses that benefit rural areas through creation and maintenance of employment. Priority is given to applications for loans in rural communities of 25,000 or less population. Maximum guarantee is limited to $25 million. For more information, contact your local USDA office.

Missouri Department of Agriculture – Financial Assistance
The Missouri Department of Agriculture programs provide a variety of loan, loan guarantees and grant programs for agribusiness pursuits.
Contact: Missouri Department of Agriculture, P.O. Box 630, 1616 Missouri Blvd., Jefferson City, Mo. 65102-0630, (573)751-4762.
Email: abd@mda.mo.gov

Missouri First Linked Deposit
This program facilitates a lower interest rate on loans to approved businesses. Eligible businesses include new, existing or expanding firms.
Contact: Missouri State Treasurer’s Office, P.O. Box 210, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102, 573-751-2372.
Email: info@treasurer.mo.gov