- Date published
Serving Small Business Owners
It’s easy to feel like everything has changed as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. While many things look different right now, other things remain the same.
One thing that remains unchanged is our mission. The Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University remains focused on serving business owners. We are here to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start and grow businesses – before, during, and after this global health crisis.
We know small businesses and entrepreneurs create jobs. They help build communities. They make our cities special and propel our economy forward. We’re proud to be working hard to assist them in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Pivots
As the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world, our team reacted like many business owners and focused on pivoting quickly. While so many small businesses were innovating and finding new ways to connect with customers, we were racing to ensure our services could still be easily accessed by small business owners.
Overnight our one-on-one consultations moved online, training events became virtual, and we leaned into the partnerships we’ve worked hard to cultivate. We made it easier than ever to connect with a consultant and leveraged technology for a seamless transition. Our team members at the efactory even shared a few words with MOSourceLink about the adjustments we’ve made.
As a result of these moves, our team has done some truly incredible work over the last few weeks. From March 15 through April 30, 2020, our programs:
- Assisted more than 814 client companies
- Held more than 259 virtual consultants with business owners
- Spent more than 1,122 hours consulting with business owners
- Developed, promoted and hosted 18 online training events
- Reached more than 580 unique webinar attendees
Teamwork Makes It Possible
None of the work we’ve mentioned would be possible without our strategic partnerships and commitment to collaboration. We believe in the power of working together to serve more entrepreneurs and innovators. We believe in hard work, determination, and good ideas.
We’re proud to be part of a nationwide and statewide network of professionals committed to serving business owners through our partnership with University of Missouri Extension. We’re also proud to be part of the efactory and IDEA Commons, Missouri State University‘s vision for an urban innovation park in downtown Springfield, Missouri.
Ready for Whatever Comes Next
We’ll be here and ready for whatever business owners face next. Contact us, find upcoming training events, and review our webinar library for additional resources.
