Business

Licensing & Permits

Our Community Development Department provides a range of business support services to foster economic growth and a favorable business environment. These services include assistance with licensing and permits, zoning and land use review, code enforcement, economic development incentives, and referrals to local resources for small businesses. By offering these resources, the city aims to create a welcoming and supportive environment for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.

SEMO Small Business Development Center

The SEMO Small Business Development Center offers a comprehensive suite of services to support entrepreneurs and small businesses in Southeast Missouri. From one-on-one counseling and workshops to market research and financial assistance, the SBDC provides valuable resources to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. Their experienced advisors offer personalized guidance on various aspects of business operations, ensuring that entrepreneurs have the tools and knowledge they need to achieve their goals.

Contact the SEMO SBDC for: Startup Support, Business/Industry Insights, Business Plan Development

SEMO REDI

The Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development Inc. (SEMO REDI) is a dedicated organization committed to driving economic growth in the region. SEMO REDI offers comprehensive services to support businesses, including site selection, business attraction and retention, economic development consulting, incentive programs, workforce development, and community development initiatives. By providing these resources, SEMO REDI plays a crucial role in creating a thriving business environment and fostering economic prosperity in Southeast Missouri.

Contact SEMO REDI for: Business Retention and Expansion Services, Business Relocation, State/Local Incentive Program Assistance

Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce logo.

Cape Girardeau Chamber of Commerce

Economic Development Incentives and Benefits

The City of Cape Girardeau understands the importance of your business investment in our community and the numerous benefits that result from it. The City wants to partner with you by offering economic development tools that fit your project and in amounts that are commensurate to your needs. The economic development tools allowed by Missouri State law and offered by the City include:

Tax Increment Financing

Tax Increment Financing (commonly referred to as “TIF”) is a procedure available to cities, villages, incorporated towns or counties to encourage redevelopment of “blighted” or “conservation” areas. The TIF Act provides for the use of tax increment financing to pay all reasonable or necessary costs incurred or incidental to a redevelopment project.

Sales Tax Rebate/Development Agreements 67.1305 RSMO
Allows citizens to authorize through vote a supplemental sales tax dedicated to certain economic development initiatives in their home municipality.

Transportation Development Districts 238 RSMO

A Transportation Development District (TDD) may be created to fund, promote, plan, design, construct, improve, maintain and operate one or more transportation-related projects or to assist in such activity.

Community Improvement Districts 67 RSMO
A Community Improvement District (CID) may be created to finance a range of public facilities, improvements or services within a municipality. A CID is either a separate political subdivision with the power to impose a sales tax, a special assessment or a real property tax, or a nonprofit corporation with the power to impose special assessments.

Neighborhood Improvement Districts 67.453 RSMO
A Neighborhood Improvement District (NID) may be created to finance public facilities or improvements that confer a benefit upon property within the district.

Property Tax Abatement Under Chapter 353 RSMO 
Property Tax Abatement Under Chapter 100 RSMO 
Each of these programs offers benefits under certain conditions. For more information about these incentives and which incentives would be best for you, please contact the Planning Division office at 573-339-6326 for a confidential review of your proposed project.

Cape Girardeau Transportation

The City of Cape Girardeau is currently reviewing its business incentive program. Please reach out with any questions to Trevor Pulley, Assistant City Manager, at tpulley@cityofcapegirardeau.org or (573) 339-6720.