Our Love Letter to Springfield, Missouri

How We Know Our Community is Primed to Embrace Innovation, Boldness, and an Exciting Future

Thinking About Our Future

They say with every crisis comes opportunity. 

As our city, state and country wrestle with the coronavirus pandemic, economic slowdown and issues of systemic inequality, it is clear that a lot of things are broken. But they don’t have to stay that way. The “new normal” can look any way we want it to. 

Thinking about the future has always excited us. Our community has a rich history of entrepreneurship, innovation and economic vitality. We truly believe the very best days are ahead of us. And we know Springfield has more opportunity now than ever before.

Make no mistake – we have a lot of work ahead. But it’s important that the size and scope of these problems (and opportunities) doesn’t prevent us from starting. 

The goal is not to be perfect tomorrow. The goal is to be better every day. 

Resisting the Temptation of ‘Good Enough’

When it comes to building the next version of Springfield, we think it’s important to resist the temptation to leave things ‘good enough’ or ‘the way they’ve always been.’

With two large metros dominating most conversations about Missouri, our community has always had to work a little harder. And there’s something to be said for being a little bit scrappy. We’ve had to “get creative” to get things done. We’ve had to work together from day one. We’ve learned to do more with less and collaborate for the greater good. 

This scrappy, collaborative spirit will be what helps us transform now into the very best versions of ourselves.

Springfield, Missouri’s Chance to be the City of Choice for Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Trailblazers

Everyone has seen the headlines about remote work, urban exodus and the opportunities presented to workers in a post-Coronavirus world. Newly remote workers from across the country will have the opportunity to live and work from anywhere. Experts have already suggested many of them “may end up in Springfield, Missouri.” 

We truly believe Springfield, Missouri is positioned to become the city of choice for entrepreneurs, innovators, trailblazers and generally cool and interesting people. Why couldn’t it be here? We’ve got all the right ingredients and plenty of exciting things on the horizon.

Momentum is Real, and Springfield Has It

Intentional relationships and quick pivots mean we can move quickly to make things happen. The Jordan Valley Innovation Center and CoxHealth’s commitment to partnership and innovation meant critical PPE for healthcare workers moved from prototype to production in less than 48 hours.

Public-private partnerships mean Springfield gets the best of both worlds in many cases. Springfield City Utilities and SpringNet, our municipal utility provider, are partnering with CenturyLink, an industry-leading private company, to bring high-speed gigabit internet to all of Springfield’s residents. The partnership is catching the attention of national groups, including the Brookings Institute who says the model could be the missing piece in America’s struggle for widespread high-speed internet access. 

Our region’s natural resources are beautiful and accessible. Our network of parks and trails continues to grow, and big plans are in the works to transform a portion of Grant Avenue into a pedestrian parkway that will connect downtown Springfield to the award-winning Wonders of Wildlife. 

Not long ago, IDEA Commons and a downtown innovation district was only a dream. Today it’s a reality and stands as an example of what is possible through successful public-private partnerships. The district continues to grow, with expansion of the efactory and MSU’s cooperative engineering program nearly complete. Expansion is also underway on the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, a hub for high-tech research and development. Daylighting Jordan Creek isn’t just an idea – it’s slated to become a reality. ForwardSGF and our community’s new strategic plan will create a blueprint focused on people, place and prosperity.

Community is Who We Are

There’s a line that seems apt for the situation we find ourselves, our communities, and our organizations in right now. It said: “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. Give us a call if we can help your company innovate or imagine “what if.” After all, Springfield is where dreams really do come true.

Community is who we are. Forward is where we’re going.

Governor Parson Announces $1M Coworking and Incubator Grant Program

The program will assist centers in response to COVID-19.

Supporting Missouri’s Innovation Centers

Governor Mike Parson has announced a new grant program focused on helping Missouri’s incubators and coworking facilities respond to the coronavirus pandemic. The program has made $1 million available for eligible Missouri-based non-profit corporations and university-sponsored coworking and incubator facilities.

“Supporting Missouri’s entrepreneurs and startup companies is key to our economy,” Governor Mike Parson said. “These individuals are not only developing innovative products but also businesses that will create new jobs and opportunities for the people of our state.”

Equipping Innovation Centers to Respond to COVID-19

The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) will administer the Coworking and Incubator Grant using CARES Act funding. The program will assist Missouri’s incubators and coworking spaces as they play an important role in our state’s economic recovery.

“Research shows that startups and small businesses create nearly 80% of Missouri’s new jobs annually. It’s crucial that our state’s innovation centers can continue the important work of supporting these entrepreneurs and job creators. This grant program will help centers respond to the demands put in place by COVID-19 while still carrying out the important work of helping businesses start and grow right here in Missouri,” efactory Director Rachel Anderson said. “I would like to thank Governor Parson, Director Dixon and the Missouri Technology Corporation for this opportunity.”

Eligible organizations may be reimbursed with grant funds for expenses related to updating facilities. Examples of updates include: changes made to encourage physical distancing, adopting enhanced sanitation protocols, or acquiring personal protective equipment. Applicants are encouraged to engage Missouri-based vendors when possible.

“Missouri’s entrepreneurs play a critical role in the state’s economy,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “By supporting these coworking facilities, we are connecting entrepreneurs with resources that will help their companies and products be successful.”

MTC will accept applications for the program through August 17, 2020.

Missouri Department of Economic Development Announces Up To $30 Million In Grant Funds For Small Businesses

The program aims to assist small businesses and family farms impacted by COVID-19.

Missouri’s New Small Business Grant Program

The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) has announced a new small business grant program that could provide up to $30 million to Missouri small businesses. The program provides relief to small businesses and family-owned farms for reimbursement of costs of business interruption caused by required closures due to COVID-19.

“This virus isn’t going away, and we have to protect both the lives and the livelihoods of Missouri workers, families and children,” Department of Economic Development Director Rob Dixon said. “Thanks to today’s action by the Governor we are not only reinvesting in our economy, but building up the success and safety of our state over the long term.”

Small Business Grant Eligibility

Organizations eligible for this grant must have 50 or fewer employees, including the owner(s). Grant amounts are initially limited to $50,000, and organizations applying must incur or have incurred costs due to COVID-19 between March 1, 2020 and November 15, 2020. Applications will consider industry, timely use of funds, and availability of funds.

DED will begin accepting applications for this grant on July 15, 2020. Applications will close on August 31, 2020.

The department is focused on assisting the hardest hit industries including retail trade, accommodation, food service, and health care, in addition to family-owned farms. However, the grants are not limited to these industries.

Find more information about eligibility and how to apply online.

Download the Small Business Grant Program Guidelines.

Assisting Agriculture Businesses

This program also factors in $7.5 million for family-owned farms and family farm corporations. Those producing agricultural crops, livestock or livestock products, poultry or poultry products, dairy products, or horticulture products are eligible for this grant.

“We know that every segment of agriculture has felt the tremendous impact of COVID-19 and will for many years,” Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn said. “We have continuously worked with Governor Parson and my colleagues across state government — including DED and the General Assembly — to provide support for the unmet needs of Missouri’s family-owned farms and ranches.”

Get Help With Your Small Business Grant Application

Our team is here to support small business owners responding to the impacts of COVID-19. Business consultants with the Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University are available to offer no-cost, confidential services and assistance with these grant applications.

Book your meeting with a member of the SBDC consultant team today.

Buckhorn Inc. Joins efactory Corporate Partner Program

We’re excited to announce Buckhorn Inc. as the newest member of the efactory’s corporate partner program.

About Buckhorn Inc.

Buckhorn, a Myers Industries, Inc. company (NYSE: MYE), is one of North America’s leading providers of high-quality, cost-effective reusable packaging and material handling systems. The manufacturer helps customers in the manufacturing, distribution and food industries improve supply chain performance and reduce material handling costs with their innovative hand-held containers, pallets and transport products.

Focused on customer-driven innovation, Buckhorn provides superior custom capabilities that fit customer’s precise applications. Their comprehensive market knowledge, attention to quality and dedication to customer-driven innovation adds value at every step of the process.

Buckhorn Inc. in Springfield, Missouri

Headquartered in Ohio, Buckhorn has had a presence in Springfield since 1994. The manufacturer employs more than 200 individuals locally and the Springfield site is considered the hub of where the company manufactures the majority of their products.

Buckhorn is defined by a commitment to teamwork, customer satisfaction, and a culture of innovation. For more information about Buckhorn products contact sales@buckhorninc.com or 513-965-3211

efactory Partners

Our corporate partner program is designed for organizations committed to entrepreneurship, innovation and economic development in southwest Missouri. Partners receive valuable annual benefits along with their support of the efactory.

Contact us today to learn more about what it means to be an efactory partner.

City of Springfield Allocates Over $400,000 of CARES Act Funding for Forgivable Business Loans

Springfield City Council recently passed a bill allocating $916,138 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COVID-19 funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a result of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The funds will be used to assist Springfield citizens with affordable housing assistance, services for the homeless and forgivable economic recovery business loans.

The breakdown of funds is:

• $383,000 for affordable housing assistance, which includes rent assistance, resulting from $183,000 in CDBG COVID-19 funds and $200,000 in HOME Grant funds that the City already had;
• $330,038 for services for the homeless, public services and homeless prevention;
• $403,100 for forgivable economic recovery business loans.

Forgivable Business Loans

Businesses can apply for the forgivable business loans through the Economic Development Office by calling Cheri Hagler at 417-864-1053 or by downloading the application packet, completing it and emailing it to Hagler at chagler@springfieldmo.gov.

Applications can also be mailed or brought to: 840 N. Boonville, Springfield, MO 65803, Attention: Cheri Hagler. Applications can be dropped off between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Business owners should call the front desk at 417-864-1000 to make arrangements for drop-off since the Busch Municipal Building is currently closed to the public.

“We are excited to see the City of Springfield making a significant investment in our community’s small businesses and leveraging CARES Act funding to support entrepreneurs,” said Rachel Anderson, efactory Director. “We believe fiercely in supporting Springfield’s business owners and job creators and this program will help address shortfalls faced because of the Coronavirus pandemic.”

Application Materials

City of Springfield Forgivable Loan Application

Background Check Form

Forgivable Loan FAQs

System for Award Management (SAM) Instructions

Loan Terms & Eligibility

Loans of up to $10,000 will be issued through the program. Businesses must retain a certain number of employees based on their pre-COVID-19 employment level in order to qualify. Applicants who submit complete applications can expect a two-week turnaround.

Businesses eligible for the loans must:

• Have a physical location within the city limits of Springfield;
• Be a for-profit business;
• Have been in operation at least one year;
• Have a valid Social Security number or Employer Identification Number;
• Not be in bankruptcy;
• Be able to provide current insurance information;
• Be current with business property taxes and City fees;
• Be current on terms of any existing City of Springfield loan;
• Not have a conflict of interest with the City (i.e., employee of the City or member of City Council may not have a direct or indirect personal or financial interest in the business).

In addition, the business owner/program applicant must be a 51%-plus majority owner of the business.

The loans are based on one year of deferred payments at a 0% interest rate, up to $10,000. The loans will be fully forgiven if:

• Business remains open for one year from loan approval;
• Business retains and documents the required number of low/moderate income (earning 80% or less of annual median income). For a family of four, a person qualifies as low/moderate if their household income is $50,300 or less) full-time employee(s) or full-time equivalent employee(s);
• If the business has no employees, the owner must be able to document that they are low/moderate owner.

If the business/owner fails to retain or document their jobs or remain open for one year, the loan must be repaid within 24 months of the initial one-year deferred period, at 2.5% interest, which begins accruing after the one-year deferred period.

Funds may be used for operating expenses for day-to-day operations including but not limited to payroll, rent/mortgage costs, utilities, inventory, food supplies and insurance.

“Local business owners have been so innovative trying to stay afloat during the shutdown period caused by COVID-19, but for many businesses, there is no way to replace the income that was lost during that time,” said Economic Development Director Sarah Kerner. “By offering these forgivable loans, we hope to shore up Springfield’s small businesses and maintain as many jobs as possible for years to come.”

Learn More

For more information, please contact Director of Planning & Development Mary Lilly Smith at 417-864-1094 or Director of Public Information & Civic Engagement Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or cscott@springfieldmo.gov. 

Read the full City of Springfield press release.

CenturyLink joins efactory Partner Program

We’re excited to announce CenturyLink as the most recent addition to the efactory partner program.

CenturyLink

As one of the most interconnected companies in the world, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable fiber broadband and voice services to meet the growing demands of businesses and consumers over our robust and extensive global fiber network.

The company is excited to partner with City Utilities to bring CenturyLink fiber gigabit internet to every resident in Springfield.

“The internet connection is more important than ever. Powering homes, businesses, education, health care and entertainment, it is crucial to our lives right now,” said Chris Denzin, CenturyLink vice presidents of consumer sales. “CenturyLink Fiber Gigabit provides the capacity customers need, now and into the future, connecting people to video entertainment, smart home devices, gaming, telemedicine, security systems and more.  Springfield residents will have the fiber technology to efficiently support all these connections and be ready for what lies ahead. and CenturyLink is here to provide a fast, reliable connection.”

To learn more about CenturyLink in Springfield and to sign up for service availability notifications please visit  www.centurylink.com/springfield .

KY3 shares how high-speed internet can support startup activity

About CenturyLink

CenturyLink (NYSE: CTL) is a technology leader delivering hybrid networking, cloud connectivity, and security solutions to customers around the world. Through its extensive global fiber network, CenturyLink provides secure and reliable services to meet the growing digital demands of businesses and consumers.

CenturyLink strives to be the trusted connection to the networked world and is focused on delivering technology that enhances the customer experience. Learn more about CenturyLink.

Let’s be Partners

Our partner program is designed for organizations that want to support entrepreneurship and innovation in southwest Missouri. Partners receive valuable annual benefits in exchange for their support of the efactory.

Interested in learning more about what it means to be a partner? Contact us today to learn more. There’s always room at our table.