HOUSTON, Mo. – Congressman Jason Smith (MO-08), Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, released the following statement after helping secure a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Business Development Grant for the City of Houston’s Idea Lab Small Business Incubator.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and everyone with the drive to start one should have a fair shot at success — no matter if they grew up in a small town like Houston or a city like St. Louis,” said Congressman Smith. “When a small business has the resources it needs to succeed, it creates jobs, keeps dollars in the local economy, and gives families the chance to build something of their own. That’s the American Dream, and that’s exactly why I pushed so hard for this grant.

“I’m proud to have helped bring more than $127,000 to Texas County to make the Idea Lab a reality and provide folks in the area with the space, tools, and mentorship they need to turn their ideas into thriving businesses. I want to thank Houston’s Economic Development Director Travis Witzemann, USDA Rural Development, and everyone who contributed time, effort, and funding to invest in Houston’s entrepreneurs.”

Background:

• The City of Houston received a $127,623 USDA Rural Business Development Grant to establish the Idea Lab Small Business Incubator.
• Congressman Smith sent a letter to USDA Rural Development on November 4, 2025, urging approval of the City’s application.
• Grant funds will renovate the Houston Visitor Center into a shared workspace with four coworking spaces, a private office, a conference room, and a break room, with 24/7 key card access for participants.
• Additional project funding includes $20,000 from the City of Houston, $20,000 in in-kind labor from the City, and a $10,000 donation from the Bank of Houston and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines.
• The Idea Lab is expected to host 8–10 tenants, who will receive training from the Ozark Small Business Incubator and mentorship from local lawyers, bankers, and insurance professionals.
• Construction is scheduled to begin in December, with the Idea Lab expected to open by June 2027.