- Date published
Collaboration underscores commitment to fueling entrepreneurship and regional business growth in southwest Missouri
Missouri State University’s efactory today announced the opening of the Brightspeed coworking room, a newly named space inside Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center in downtown Springfield. efactory is a hub for business support, talent development, and innovation, and serves as the Center for Business and Economic Development at MSU.
This new designation lights up the coworking space at efactory, which serves as a home base for more than 100 member companies and 200 individuals.
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of Missouri’s economy, and they need more than just great ideas to succeed. They need reliable tools, resources and connectivity,” said Brian Littleton, local marketing manager for Brightspeed. “That’s why we’re proud to put our name on this coworking space at efactory. Brightspeed is committed to fueling innovation in southwest Missouri by helping founders and growing companies stay connected, scale faster and bring their vision to life.”
Brightspeed, the nation’s third-largest fiber builder empowering homes and businesses with super-fast connectivity, also joined efactory’s Corporate Partner program in early 2025, underscoring its commitment to investing in local entrepreneurs and helping businesses scale in southwest Missouri.
By partnering with efactory, Brightspeed shows their dedication to accelerating business development and economic growth in the region.
“Our work supporting entrepreneurs and small business owners would not be possible without the commitment of our corporate partners,” said Emily Denniston, director of community engagement and operations at efactory. “Entrepreneurship is the foundation of this community, and corporate support enables us to deliver top-tier programs and services and affirms the broader belief in the value of innovation and entrepreneurship. Brightspeed’s collaboration reflects a deliberate investment in .our community and its future success.”
Coworking at efactory provides individuals with high-quality internet access, flexible work areas and opportunities to collaborate with other innovators.
Since its launch, efactory has worked with more than 8,000 entrepreneurs and businesses, connecting them with the mentorship, resources and partnerships needed to grow.