Get to know us

Our Story

About Us

We opened our doors in March 2013 with one goal in mind: to serve entrepreneurs and business owners. Today our network of programs are designed to support individuals and businesses throughout southern Missouri (no matter their size), and it is made possible in part through an incredible partnership with codefi.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur looking for 1:1 assistance or a large employer addressing workforce challenges, we’re here to help you start, scale and succeed.

We’re proud to be part of the IDEA Commons district, Missouri State University’s vision for an urban innovation park.

We rely on community support and partnerships. Find out how you can support entrepreneurship and innovation in Springfield, MO.

We believe hard work, determination, collaboration and good ideas are worth fighting for. We truly believe Springfield, Missouri, is where dreams can come true.

Want to learn more? Take a tour!

Meet The Team

We work together as a team of entrepreneurs, innovators and problem solvers to serve clients. Together with corporate partners and resource organizations, we serve startups and small businesses throughout southwest Missouri.

Training Specialist

Laura Anderson

Training Coordinator and Director, Public Safety Training Center

Cody Brewington

Senior Program Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Lance Coffman

Regional Program Coordinator

Macee Curtis

Director, Community Engagement and Operations

Emily Denniston

Community Coordinator, Administrative & Financial

Kim Dixon

Director, Marketing and Communications

Nicki Donnelson

Student Employment Specialist

Charlee Eubanks

Community Coordinator, Member Relations

Melisa Hamilton

Assistant Director, Training and Development

Tara Horton

Director, Business Support and Training / Director, Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University

Chrystal Irons

Marketing Assistant

Abby Isackson

Regional Business Consultant

Amy Jackson

Community Coordinator, Partner and Student Engagement

Emily Melton

Executive Director

Rachel Munday

Administrative Assistant

Courtney Okello

Administrative Specialist II

Fatimah Rafique

Senior Program Manager, Business Support

Sandra Smart

Regional Business Consultant

Melvin Steele

Assistant Training Coordinator

Laura Wright

Assistant Director, Student Employment

Katie Young

Springfield Innovation, Inc.

Springfield Innovation Inc. facilitates and supports the commercialization of research and shortens the time to market for new products while providing technical and entrepreneurial support.

Our Partners

Community is who we are. Forward is where we’re going. See a few of the companies we proudly partner with.

Our Impact

We believe in hard work, determination and good ideas.

Companies Served

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Jobs Created by Client Companies

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Support Us

WANT TO PITCH IN?

Private donations play a critical role in our work to support dreamers, doers, innovators and job creators. Show your support for entrepreneurship and innovation in southwest Missouri while also reducing your tax liability.

Press Features

Check out these articles featuring our programs and clients.

Let’s Talk Business: Show Me Network Week and AI Revolution

Next month, Missouri’s entrepreneurial spirit takes center stage as May 4th through the 8th will be the inaugural Show-Me Network Week. Held in conjunction with National Small Business Week, this statewide event highlights the modern pathways founders are taking to grow businesses across every corner of Missouri.

Missouri State launches JVIC executive director search

Missouri State University is seeking an executive director for the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center.

Missouri State event highlights community-engaged research

Missouri State University will host an event on April 27, bringing together campus and community partners to explore how research can inform real-world solutions in the Springfield area.