The Independence Regional Ennovation Center is one of just 10 small business incubators in the state to receive the tax credit, and the only one in Kansas City.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) awarded a total of $500,000 to various incubators across the state as part of the Small Business Incubator Tax Credit program. The goal of the program is to create more capital and supporting funds for new businesses during the startup phase.

Here’s the list of the small business incubators in Missouri that will be receiving the tax credit:

• Direct Impact Business Education Center in Bridgeton – $20,000
• Independence Regional Ennovation Center – $11,000
• The eFactory at Missouri State University in Springfield – $75,000
• Joseph Newman Business and Technology Innovation Center in Joplin – $25,000
• Life Sciences Business Incubation Center in Columbia – $95,000
• Ozark Foothills Development Association in Poplar Bluff – $57,000
• Ozarks Small Business Incubator in West Plains – $50,000
• Saint Louis Fashion Incubator – $50,000
• Center for Emerging Technologies in St. Louis – $67,000
• Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences DBA Innovation Stockyard at Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph – $50,000

According the the most recent U.S. Census Bureau in 2013, Missouri is the top state in the nation for new business creation. New business ventures in Missouri increased 16 percent, while most other states actually experienced a decrease.

Missouri was also ranked as one of the top 10 states for startup funding by Forbes last year.