- Date published February 3, 2021
Thank You!
Our work to support entrepreneurship and innovation is truly a community and statewide effort. We work closely each day with a broad network of partners and stakeholders in our efforts to make Springfield, Missouri the best place in the country to start and grow a business.
We’d like to thank Greene County, the Missouri Department of Economic Development, and the Missouri Technology Corporation for their work to bolster these important efforts. Our programs at the efactory and Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC) have received $300,000 in CARES Act grant funds from the Greene County CARES Act Relief Fund and $250,000 from the Missouri Department of Economic Development and MTC’s COVID-19 Coworking and Incubator Grant program.
“We’re proud that the Coworking and Incubator Grant Program could help organizations like the efactory during these unprecedented times. These organizations recognize the role of Missouri’s entrepreneurs in our economy and help them drive innovation and technological advancement across all industries.”
– Rob Dixon,
Director, Missouri Department of Economic Development
Supporting Entrepreneurs & Innovators
It should be no surprise that we’re used to getting creative to solve problems and meet needs. When the Coronavirus pandemic turned life upside down, our team pivoted quickly. While businesses were innovating and finding new ways to connect with customers, we were doing much of the same. Overnight consultations moved online, training events became virtual, and we leaned into the partnerships we’ve worked hard to cultivate.
Consultants with the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University have been on the frontline assisting businesses in our region. They’ve helped business owners navigate disaster relief funding, control cash flow, and more.
While supplies of personal protective equipment (PPE) run short around the world, JVIC opened its doors to help. The innovation center worked closely with CoxHealth to create PPE for healthcare workers using 3D-printing and laser-cutting technology. This impressive collaboration saw concepts move from initial idea to production in less than two days.
“Entrepreneurs and small businesses are the backbone of our community, and now more than ever we need avenues like the efactory to help them thrive. The CARES Advisory Committee and the Greene County Commission agree that grant dollars awarded to the efactory will have far-reaching benefits for individuals and the County as a whole during these unprecedented times.”
– Bob Dixon
Presiding Commissioner, Greene County
Preparing for Whatever Comes Next
We’re proud of our work to support dreamers, innovators, and job creators in southwest Missouri. We’ll be here and ready for whatever comes next, thanks to the incredible support we’ve received from partners at Greene County, the Missouri Department of Economic Development and the Missouri Technology Corporation. CARES Act funding has allowed for critical infrastructure and technology upgrades at both facilities.
Startup companies, innovators, user groups, and more come to our facility every day to work. And while their day-to-day may look different in response to COVID-19, business is still happening. Entrepreneurs and business owners still need a place to get work done, collaborate and recharge – safely.
Meeting community needs requires infrastructure and technology. These CARES Act funds have allowed for important upgrades that allow us to continue our mission of serving entrepreneurs and business owners. Our centers are now equipped to provide virtual and hybrid training and meeting space as our region’s businesses respond to COVID-19 and changes to their business models.
“Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) was excited to work with the Department of Economic Development to ensure that our stakeholders had access to the Federal CARES Act funding provided to the State of Missouri. Many of the State’s entrepreneurs rely on coworking and incubator spaces to run their businesses. Leveraging CARES Act funding to make the necessary physical improvements to the facilities to accommodate social distancing protocols and upgrading the equipment to facilitate virtual meetings and training was vital to our State’s continued economic development and COVID recovery efforts. These physical improvements will have a long-term positive impact on the entrepreneurial ecosystems these Coworking and Incubator facilities support.”
– Jack Scatizzi
Director, Missouri Technology Corporation
An Opportunity for Innovation
We know many businesses have found their plans and financial projections wadded up and thrown in the trash in response to COVID-19. Everything has changed. As frustrating as it may be, scrapped plans can also make way for new ideas, innovations and opportunities. Changed plans are the perfect opportunity to create something new.
There’s a line that seems apt for the situation we find ourselves in right now – “Opportunities are rarely offered; they are seized.” We’re committed to seizing every opportunity. And we’re committed to helping the rest of our community do the same. As the world continues to change, we will be here to help businesses respond, innovate and imagine “what if.” After all, Springfield is where dreams really do come true. Community is who we are. Forward is where we’re going. We hope you’ll join us.
