Vroom Solar selected for AFWERX award to aid in powering military bases

Vroom solar team stands next to solar kit

Bringing solar to everyone There’s a moment every founder cherishes: finally saying, “I made it.” Luke Phelps, founder and CEO of Vroom Solar, wasn’t just dreaming – he was building it. Electricity transformed history. But for too many, it remains a distant resource. Phelps, driven by the desire to make electricity more accessible, created Vroom […]

Purpose Connect nominated semifinalist for the Black Ambition Prize

Dami Odunewu, founder of Purpose Connect, poses in coworking

Selection for Pharrell Williams Competition Rejection can feel like a door slamming shut in your face. And as an entrepreneur taking a leap of faith, the last thing you want is for your idea to feel dismissed. When Dami Odunewu, CEO and founder of Purpose Connect, was rejected by the Black Ambition Prize last year, […]

Missouri State celebrates successful first year as an EDA University Center.

efactory members hold discussion at table

Missouri State University celebrates a successful first year as an EDA University Center! This past week, we commemorated the exciting possibilities that come with this designation, which allows us to bridge the gap between businesses and the university, fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurship.

U.S. Bank Empowers Early-Stage Businesses Through Boot Camp Program

U.S. Bank presents at boot camp.

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 […]

Welcome Macee Curtis to the team

Macee poses on coworking couch

We’re really excited to welcome Macee Curtis, our new Regional Program Coordinator, to efactory’s team! She’s passionate about community engagement and is excited to learn more about efactory’s impact on businesses in the area. We’re confident that she has what it takes to drive program success across the region.  Macee is from Clever, MO, so […]

Rachel Anderson Earns a Spotlight in Authority Magazine

Rachel Anderson in Brick City 3

Leading with good intent Leadership styles makes a big difference in an organization – we all know that. It can pump up or deplete morale. It can drive change and create innovation. And we are thrilled to share the news that Rachel Anderson, Executive Director of efactory at Missouri State University, has been featured in […]