- Date published
Funds allow workshops to spread throughout Southern Missouri.
Starting a successful business requires strategic planning. The Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO) offers a workshop series to help aspiring entrepreneurs get started.
Today, the U.S. Bank Foundation announced Missouri State University Foundation will receive $100,000 over the next three years to provide the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp in communities throughout southern Missouri at no cost to participants.
“The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp is a catalyst for major change in the lives of the small business owners and future entrepreneurs who participate,” said Chrystal Irons, director of the Missouri Small Business Development Center at MSU. “Throughout the program, they build relationships with individuals who have similar goals, hear from successful entrepreneurs, and learn the key components to building a business. It truly sets participants on the right track, empowering them to overcome common business obstacles.”
Registration is open for the boot camps scheduled in Taney County and South Central Missouri. Several other boot camps are scheduled for 2024, including Bolivar, Joplin and a fully virtual option.
Innovate SOMO, a program developed by Missouri State University’s efactory and codefi, of Cape Girardeau, exists to accelerate workforce development, job growth, and support the next generation of industry-leading, high-growth companies in the 47 counties in Southern Missouri.
The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp is just one example.
Innovate SOMO also offers:
- The 120-Day Tech Startup Program.
- Pre-Accelerator and Accelerator.
- Funding and Investor Networks.
- Elevate.
- Youth Coding League.
- Code Labs.
- Business consultations and mentorship.
“Supporting the development of small businesses and a dynamic workforce is an investment in today and our future. We’re proud to work with organizations like efactory to help small businesses start, grow and prosper as we build thriving communities,” said Kristen Polchinski, Community Affairs.
U.S. Bank is committed to powering human potential and creating lasting change in communities. The bank does this through the Community Possible platform, including philanthropy, community investments and team member volunteerism.
For more information about Innovate SOMO and its programs, visit www.innovatesomo.org.
