How Missouri One Start Empowers Expanding Businesses Through Strategic Recruitment & Skilled Training

• September 11, 2025

Missouri One Start, Missouri’s premier workforce recruitment and training Division, has helped train over one million workers and supported more than 8,000 training projects.

As a division of the Department of Economic Development, Missouri One Start supports eligible businesses, small to large, by customizing recruitment strategies and providing resources for tailored training at no cost to qualifying companies.

Key Offerings for Qualifying Companies New to Missouri:

Custom Recruitment Services

Even if you’re new to the state, you’re eligible for Missouri One Start’s free and customizable recruitment solutions designed to help you build your workforce quickly and effectively, including:

• Customized strategy
• Personalized hiring events
• Targeted email
• Social Media Campaigns
• Branded microsites
• Analytics reporting

Tailored Training and Upskilling Programs

Missouri One Start offers customized training assistance to meet your specific needs. This allows you to equip your workforce with the necessary skills—even in the early stages of setting up operations.

• Training can be provided by a community college, state technical college, career technical center, your in-house trainers, or chosen vendors.
• Reimbursement for training expenses

Assistance is also available as your company grows or you add new technology. Through either the Customized Training program or the New Jobs or Job Retention training programs, workers at eligible companies can be upskilled or reskilled so your company stays competitive.

Relocation Reimbursement for New Hires

Missouri One Start allows you to allocate part of your Customized Training funds to reimburse the cost of relocating full-time employees from out of state to Missouri. This support can significantly ease the cost burden when attracting talent from outside Missouri.

Credential Training Grant

For businesses focused on developing or maintaining industry credentials for employees or prospective employees, there’s a powerful grant opportunity available to help defray the cost of obtaining an industry-related credential —ideal for companies establishing new teams and operations.

Intern and Apprentice Tax Credit

To help businesses maintain a steady pipeline of talent, Missouri One Start offers the Intern and Apprentice Tax Credit. This program allows Missouri businesses that increase the average number of interns or apprentices they hire to claim a credit against their state tax liability.

If you’re considering Missouri as the next location for your growing business, Missouri One Start can serve as your strategic ally, helping you recruit, train, and support a skilled workforce efficiently and cost-effectively.

Reach out to Missouri One Start to learn more and discuss your workforce plans.