- Date published
We’ve rounded up five (of the many) reasons why it’s great to be a small business owner in Springfield, MO.
It’s Springfield Small Business Week! We’re celebrating all week long with free coworking and great events.
We’re also shining a spotlight on some of our favorite small businesses and reasons why it’s great to be a small business owner in Springfield, MO.
1. There are a ton of awesome resources
The Springfield community is jam-packed with resources and programs that are focused on helping businesses succeed.
Whether it’s one-on-one business consulting through the local Small Business Development Center, practicing your pitch at 1 Million Cups, or skilling up your workforce with Management Development Institute trainings, we’ve got a strong support network in place to help businesses grow.
Companies can take on investment through the efactory’s accelerator program, be paired with a mentor through SCORE, and even explore the world of government contracts with PTAC.
And you’ll never feel like you’re going it alone. There’s a world-class Chamber of Commerce, dozens of industry associations, and plenty of networking groups to be part of.
2. The market is just the right size
Springfield knows what it means to be a sweet spot, and we aren’t just talking about being the home of Andy’s Frozen Custard. The community is big enough to support a wide variety of businesses and services, but still small enough that you can still feel connected.
It’s a community where low startup costs allow business owners to test ideas and see what sticks, so your entrepreneurial imagination can run wild.
3. The collaboration is unparalleled
We love seeing local favorites come together. And in Springfield it happens a lot. You’ll regularly see small business owners getting together to solve problems, advocate for common sense solutions, and just generally help one another out.
We also love when they get together to make something delicious. Check out some of our favorite edible collaborations below.
- A Beautiful Mess + Askinosie Chocolate CollaBARation Bar
- MudHouse Coffee + Mother’s Brewing Company creating Winter Grind
- Hotel Vandivort sourcing from multiple local suppliers for The Order’s menu
4. We’ve got the talent you need
Springfield has a strong, dedicated workforce. We have great educational institutions that produce top-notch high school, vocational school, and college graduates.
And innovative programs? We’ve got those too. GO CAPS, Middle College, and SPS Choice Programs are just a few ways we’re working to meet our region’s needs.
Workforce development is a key focus for community leaders. We’re always working to grow our local talent pool and recruit new professionals to be part of our community.
5. Small business can grow big
Springfield has a rich history of entrepreneurship. Major enterprises like O’Reilly Auto Parts and Jack Henry started in our own backyard as small businesses.
Johnny Morris started selling fishing tackle out of his father’s liquor store in 1972. From right here in Springfield he went on to build Bass Pro Shops, with estimated annual revenues now topping $2 billion.
And it’s not just us
We’re not the only ones taking notes on Springfield’s bustling business scene. The city has landed at number one on Forbes’ 7 Cities You Didn’t Expect to be Great for Business, and that’s only one of the Queen City’s recent accolades.
- Best Places to Start a Business by WalletHub
- 50 tax-friendliest Cities in America by MSN
- Best Cities for Hispanic Entrepreneurs by WalletHub
- 10 Best Cities for Starting a Business by Inc.
- Top 100 Places for Business & Careers by Forbes
- Most Entrepreneurial Small and Mid-Sized Metros by SmartAsset
- Top US Metro Areas for Startup Growth by Forbes
Ready to grow?
If all this has got you inspired to pull the trigger on your small business dreams, we’re ready to help.
The Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University can assist business owners at any stage, from initial business planning to succession planning or sale.
Check out upcoming SBDC programs and connect with a consultant today.
Springfield Small Business Week
Springfield Small Business Week is part of the National Small Business Week, which is designed to recognize small business owners and entrepreneurs in Springfield, MO.
More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create almost two out of every three new jobs in the U.S. each year.
The efactory is proud to serve small business owners and prospective entrepreneurs through office space, coworking memberships, ongoing trainings, and business consultation in cooperation with the Small Business Development Center and Management Development Institute.
