Business

This week on the show: an enzyme factory aims to be a big part of the ethanol industry, and a business incubator in Columbia lands a state tax credit.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development awarded state tax credits to five small business incubators on Monday. The Life Science Business Incubation Center in Columbia was awarded a $100,000 in tax credits.

Missouri students are expected to see a change in career guidance in school as part of a new initiative to better prepare students for their future. Missouri is one of six states that joined the Pathways for Prosperity Network this week.

Columbia Regional Airport is getting close to its goal of raising a half a million dollars from the private sector. The money would be used to try to land another connecting flight to the airport.

Located in and around the J.W. “Blind” Boone Community Center downtown, the Moving Ahead program aims to nurture resiliency to substance abuse and gang involvement in Columbia’s youth. Along with doubling their enrollment and receiving its State Licensing this year, teacher reports from April indicate impressive academic performance from the students. CEO of the Columbia Housing Authority, Phil Steinhaus says he attributes the program’s success to a grant they received from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

This week on Business Beat: an active tech industry in Columbia is seeing a talent deficiency in some areas. Plus, a jump in home sales in Mid-Missouri.