Through its partnership with the U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA), Bi-State Regional Commission provides member governments a wide range of economic development assistance including grant writing, planning and research.  Additionally, Bi-State administers two Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Programs that provide gap financing to businesses creating or retaining jobs in the region.

The cornerstone of Bi-State's economic development assistance is the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which analyzes the region's economy, sets regional economic development goals and indentifies significant economic development projects for potential federal investment. The CEDS is produced every five years, with annual progress reports published during interim years.