SPRINGFIELD, MO – State Treasurer Eric Schmitt today met with business and finance leaders at the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce to gather feedback about his office’s low-interest loan program. The meeting is part of Schmitt’s ongoing effort to gain insight from Missouri’s small business and agriculture communities about how the Missouri Linked Deposit Program can better serve their needs.
“I’ve met with dozens of small businesses, farmers and community banks since taking office in January to figure out how we can improve the Missouri Linked Deposit Program,” Schmitt said. “In the coming months we’ll be leveraging that insight to revitalize the program so it can reach its full potential and further expand economic opportunity across our state.”
Attendees spoke about opportunities to cut red tape, enhance marketing efforts and adapt the program to meet the demands of the modern economy.
“I’m glad to see Treasurer Schmitt tackling this problem head-on,” said Matt Morrow, President of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “This program is an important asset to our small business community and I look forward to seeing what improvements are implemented to increase its utilization.”
Missouri-based small businesses with up to 99 employees are eligible to receive a loan through participating institutions with the support of the Missouri Linked Deposit Program. Approximately 115 lenders with 350 branches throughout Missouri currently participate in the program.
A list of participating lenders and program eligibility guidelines can be found online atwww.treasurer.mo.gov/linkeddeposit.
