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Gov. Eric Greitens announces incentive for veterans entrepreneurs, wants more jobs in MO

Posted at 4:56 PM, Oct 11, 2017
and last updated 2017-10-11 19:09:41-04

NORTH KANSAS CITY, Mo.—Getting more jobs for Missourians is the goal for Governor Eric Greitens. Whether it be from Amazon or smaller businesses. 

On Wednesday, Greitens scaled a 38-foot indoor rock wall as he joined others working out at RoKC in North Kansas City. 

The rock climbing gym in North Kansas City is the prized gem of army veteran Andrew Potter.

Although he did three tours in Afghanistan, the 30-year-old, didn’t realize how tough it was to start a small business at home. 

“I found that’s one of the hardest things that I just didn’t have the resources at my disposal,” Potter said.

But Greitens wants other veterans to avoid such obstacles.

“If they’re an entrepreneur, if they’ve got an innovative idea and they want to start a business we want to welcome them right here to Missouri to start that business,” he said.

Which is why he announced Wednesday that starting in January, he’ll pursue legislation to eliminate all start-up business fees in Missouri for veterans.

Related coverage: Kansas City mayor encourages you to tell Amazon why you love KC

“We want to fight for every job in the state of Missouri,” Potter said.

He’s also trying lure corporate giants like Amazon. The company has been a boon for employment across the stateline.

Amazon has fulfillment centers in Edgerton, Lenexa and soon in KCK.

Greitens wants that success in the Show-Me-State. 

“Guys, like Andrew, who set up these veteran business where they’re starting to employ five, 10, 12 people those are making a big difference,” Greitens said. “We’re going to fight for every job in the state of Missouri including this Amazon proposal.”

The governor’s office told 41 Action News they’re working on a campaign promoting both St. Louis and Kansas City’s bid to bring Amazon to Missouri.

Bids are due to Amazon on October 19.