Tools and resources to see if you are eligible to apply:
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Poverty Guidelines
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey
- Missouri Census Data Center
- Qualifying Missouri ZIP codes for historic rate of incarceration
- Qualifying Missouri School Districts
- Qualifying Missouri ZIP codes for poverty and unemployment rates — DCR Census Tract Locator Tool
- Qualifying Missouri census tracts for poverty and unemployment rates — DCR Census Tract Locator Tool
- Net Worth Calculation Worksheet
- For applicants claiming residency in a ZIP code or census tract area where the historic rate of incarceration for marijuana-related offenses is 50% higher than the rate for the entire state
- The Department has provided a Census Tract Locator Tool to assist applicants in determining their census tract area.
Eligibility Information
The Missouri Constitution provides that microbusinesses must be majority owned by individuals who meet at least one of the eligibility criteria set forth in Article XIV, Section 2. Applicants may claim more than one eligibility requirement on their application.
For applicants seeking eligibility through residency in a qualified ZIP code; lists of Missouri ZIP codes that meet the criteria for poverty level, unemployment rate, historic incarceration rate, and unaccredited school districts are provided within the documentation section below.
Eligibility Criteria
- Have a net worth of less than two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) and have had an income below two hundred fifty percent (250%) of the federal poverty level, or a successor level, as set forth in the applicable calendar year’s federal poverty income guidelines published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services or its successor agency, for at least three (3) of the ten (10) calendar years prior to applying for a microbusiness license.
- Have a valid service-connected disability card issued by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, or successor agency.
- Be a person who has been, or a person whose parent, guardian, or spouse has been arrested for, prosecuted for, or convicted of a non-violent marijuana offense at least one (1) year prior to the effective date of this section, unless the conviction—
- Involved provision of marijuana to a minor; or
- Was for driving under the influence of marijuana;
- Reside in a ZIP code or census tract area where—
- Thirty percent (30%) or more of the population lives below the federal poverty level; or
- The rate of unemployment is fifty percent (50%) higher than the state average rate of unemployment; or
- The historic rate of incarceration for marijuana-related offenses is fifty percent (50%) higher than the rate for the entire state; or
- Graduated from a school district that was unaccredited, or had a similar successor designation, at the time of graduation, or has lived in a ZIP code containing an unaccredited school district, or similar successor designation, for three (3) of the past five (5) years.
