- Date published
New training offerings will be available at efactory this fall.
efactory and the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University are excited to announce a new partnership with The Great Game of Business®, the company known for its widely adopted system of the same name that helps businesses drive results through transparency, engagement, and shared accountability.
This new collaboration strengthens local expertise and expands access to training. Two Missouri SBDC business consultants will be certified GGOB coaches, enabling them to support small business clients across the region with customized consulting and implementation strategies.
Building on that foundation, efactory will launch a full calendar of in-person GGOB training opportunities beginning in fall 2025. These sessions — including Financial Literacy, MiniGames™, and more — will be available to businesses already using GGOB, as well as those looking to strengthen financial understanding, improve team alignment, and build more engaged, results-driven teams.
“The Great Game of Business builds a culture grounded in financial literacy,” said Chrystal Irons, director of the Missouri SBDC at MSU. “It’s never too early – and a business is never too small – to understand the story the numbers tell. When people see how their actions influence financial outcomes, it turns understanding into ownership. This partnership brings a game-changing methodology within reach for businesses of all sizes.”
“One of the most powerful parts of The Great Game of Business is how it creates visibility and connection,” said Amy Jackson, business consultant with the Missouri SBDC at MSU. “Celebrating the wins means more when everyone knows exactly how they got there.”
Growing opportunities
The efactory has already begun integrating GGOB tools into its Entrepreneurship Intern Pilot Program. Students and participating companies use MiniGames™ to build financial literacy, enhance teamwork, and apply business concepts in a dynamic way.
“We’re thrilled to partner with efactory and the Missouri SBDC to bring the Great Game to more small businesses in our own backyard,” said Kristi Stringer, president of The Great Game of Business. “This partnership is about more than just teaching a business system — it’s about empowering local entrepreneurs with the tools to build open, engaged, and resilient organizations.”
The Great Game of Business was developed by Springfield entrepreneur Jack Stack, co-author of the book by the same name and one of the original founders of SRC Holdings Corporation. What began in 1983 as a strategy to revitalize a dying division of International Harvester has grown into a globally recognized operating system used by thousands of companies worldwide – including many right here in Springfield, Missouri.
“Jack Stack changed the way we think about running a business,” said Rachel Munday, executive director of efactory. “To grow that legacy by making GGOB more available to organizations across the region is a big win for our entire community.”
This partnership is made possible through the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s ARPA Community Revitalization Grant awarded to codefi and efactory in support of the Southern Missouri Innovation Network.
“To be able to connect homegrown, world-class business leaders, and a system that will transform Missouri business owners is a no-brainer,” added Munday. “We’re so thankful to the Missouri DED for seeing the vision and helping make this program more accessible to Missouri businesses.”
