- Date published
In the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp, we’re delivering high-quality content to new and prospective business owners – and identifying amazing partners with expertise to empower the participants. That’s why we are so excited that Timothy Oetting and Rees Cowherd, business banking managers at U.S. Bank, served as guest speakers May 2 (Bolivar) and May 7 (Springfield).
The U.S. Bank representatives joined experts from efactory and the Missouri SBDC at MSU to share insights and practical strategies for early-stage businesses to navigate financial management and ensure strong cash flow.
“Building a strong financial foundation is critical for the success of any early-stage business,” said Kristen Polchinski, community affairs manager at U.S. Bank. “We are excited to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive.”
The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp is offered at no charge to participants through the Southern Missouri Innovation Network, aka Innovate SOMO. This is made possible in part by a $100,000 multiyear grant from the U.S. Bank Foundation to the Missouri State University Foundation in support of efactory in December 2023.
Partnering to build stronger businesses
The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp builds connections between future small business owners, identifies community resources and uncovers essential tools and knowledge.
“It’s crucial for small businesses to have access to solid information and advice from trusted sources like the efactory and Missouri SBDC at MSU,” Polchinski. “U.S. Bank is proud to work with them to help future business owners gain greater financial wellness and build thriving communities.”
Innovate SOMO, a program developed by Missouri State University’s efactory and Codefi, of Cape Girardeau, exists to accelerate workforce development, job growth, and support the next generation of industry-leading, high-growth companies in the 47 counties in Southern Missouri.
The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp is just one example.
Innovate SOMO also offers:
- A pipeline of tech startup programs, including: Bounce My Big Idea, 120-Day Tech Startup, Pre-Accelerator, Accelerator
- Elevate
- Business Consulting & Mentorship
- Code Labs
- Youth Coding League
- Funding and Investor Networks
Opportunities abound. New cohorts are launching regularly throughout the region.
