efactory, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce continue partnership to support entrepreneurs

Missouri State University’s efactory and the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce are continuing a partnership that connects early-stage businesses with resources, relationships and benefits designed to support their growth. 

The partnership, originally launched in September 2025 as part of a grant-funded pilot, will continue to provide efactory incubator members with a one-year Chamber membership at no cost. The continued partnership represents an ongoing investment by the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce in the region’s entrepreneurial community. 

Through the partnership, current efactory incubator members have access to the Chamber’s business resources, networking opportunities and engagement with the regional business community. Members also have access to employee benefits options through the Chamber Benefit Plan, powered by the Missouri Chamber Federation and administered by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield. 

The partnership was initially established as part of efactory’s match commitment for a Missouri Technology Corporation MOBEC Operations grant. The Chamber provided in-kind support for the pilot by extending memberships to eligible efactory incubator businesses. 

“Every established business in our region started as somebody’s idea,” said Matt Morrow, president of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce. “Continuing this partnership means entrepreneurs don’t have to wait until they’re big enough to need us before they can get involved with the Chamber and connect with the business, nonprofit and civic leaders engaged in our strategic initiatives. The Chamber’s mission is to help businesses thrive, and this partnership helps us do just that for the next generation of employers.” 

The partnership also creates a connection between two organizations serving businesses at different stages of their growth. Through Chamber membership, efactory entrepreneurs can engage with established businesses and other community leaders while bringing the perspectives and experiences of early-stage companies into the broader business community. 

“We are thrilled to see this collaboration continue. Springfield is at its heart, an entrepreneurial community, so partnerships in support of startups just make sense,” said Emily Denniston, director of community engagement and operations at efactory. “We are so glad that our members can benefit from the resources provided by the Chamber, and that the Chamber can benefit by having more entrepreneur voices at their table.”