The Missouri Linked Deposit Program partners with lending institutions to provide low-interest loans to help create and retain jobs, expand the economy and strengthen communities statewide. By reducing the interest rate on certain loans that borrowers can use to improve their businesses, the program helps qualified lenders from Missouri better serve Missouri-based companies and agricultural operations. The program also provides funds for local governments to serve the interests of their constituents. Using the program allows lenders to lower the interest rates to the borrower by about 2-3 percent.

The Missouri Linked Deposit Program is well-funded with a total of $720 million available, and State Treasurer Clint Zweifel’s office is prepared to use the program to its highest potential. The program has proven successful in creating and retaining jobs, expanding the economy and strengthening communities statewide for nearly 25 years.

The program’s eligibility guidelines have expanded through Treasurer Zweifel’s economic development legislation, Invest in Missouri, making low-interest loans available to more borrowers including small businesses creating jobs, alternative energy producers and consumers, agriculture operations and local governments. The signed legislation went into effect August 28, 2009. Read the full news release.