Build Your

Business Foundation

Get the building blocks for starting and growing a business. 

Training for Business Owners

We offer a variety of training programs designed for current and prospective business owners and managers. These training programs will equip you with the skills needed to successfully start and grow a business.

Business Planning
Financial Management & QuickBooks
Human Resources for Small Business
Marketing & Pitching to Investors
Legal Issues & Government Contracting
Selling Online & International Business
LEGO® Serious Play® Based Workshops

Upcoming Business Foundations Courses

April 2026
Business man's hands in front of a laptop computer with a screen displaying a CliftonStrengths Report. Image includes a graphic 34 with Strengths domain colors surrounding it in purple, green, orange and blue.

Discover & Lead with Your Strengths

Every day employees are spending more and more time working in team and group situations. But few of them have ever received any training in how to succeed in these situations. Many employees are even threatened by the process. During this program, you will learn and practice the fundamentals of building effective and productive work […]
08 Apr
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806

Get Organized, Stay Compliant: Recordkeeping Made Easy

Develop organized recordkeeping systems and proactive tax strategies that save you time, money, and stress during tax season and beyond. This session covers essential business records to maintain, accounting software options, deductible expenses, estimated tax payments, and how proper documentation protects you during audits. This program is offered in partnership with Justine PETERSEN.
09 Apr
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
Pile of brightly colored yo-yos

The Great Game of Business® – Basic Financial Literacy for Product-Based Businesses

At this training event, you will learn the fundamentals of the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. Participants will engage in a hands-on, scenario-based learning experience for a product-based business that demonstrates how to read, interpret, and use financial statements to make better business decisions. This session builds financial literacy and highlights how […]
14 Apr
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806

Writing Grants for Small Businesses Workshop

Finding grants is only the first step—writing a strong proposal is what makes the difference. In this practical workshop, small business owners will learn the fundamentals of writing effective grant applications. Participants will explore how to evaluate eligibility requirements, understand what funders are looking for, and craft clear, compelling proposals that highlight the value and […]
15 Apr
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Online
Professional dog groomer, grooming a small dog on a table with scissors.

The Great Game of Business® – Basic Financial Literacy for Service-Based Businesses

At this training event, you will learn the fundamentals of the income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet. Participants will engage in a hands-on, scenario-based learning experience of a service-based company that demonstrates how to read, interpret, and use financial statements to make better business decisions. This session builds financial literacy and highlights how day-to-day […]
21 Apr
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806
Man sitting in front of a laptop with his hands on the keyboard with a 2025-2026 planner sitting on the desk next to him.

Mastering Business Communication: Writing with Clarity & Impact

Modern workplaces demand strong communication skills at every level. Whether you’re on the front lines or in executive leadership, you need to master various digital tools, bridge generational gaps, and share information with speed and precision. Clear communication prevents expensive errors and establishes trust. This program equips participants with the skills to communicate powerfully and […]
21 Apr
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806

Grant Reporting & Compliance for Small Businesses

Receiving a grant is exciting—but managing reporting and compliance requirements is essential to maintaining that funding and protecting future opportunities. In this practical workshop, small business owners will learn the key responsibilities that come after receiving a grant. Participants will explore how to understand funder requirements, maintain accurate records, track grant spending, and submit required […]
22 Apr
11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Online

Key Drivers of Business Value (Value Builder)

Understand the critical factors that determine your business’s worth and learn how to systematically increase its value over time. Based on the Value Builder System, this session identifies the eight key drivers that acquirers and investors evaluate, helping you build a more valuable, sustainable, and sellable business. This program is offered in partnership with Justine […]
23 Apr
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
Instructor Larry Stock making a presentation to 3 women and a man in a training room. Sponsor logos for MSU, efactory, Missouri SBDC and Leadership Springfield are shown.

GiANT People-Driven Leadership Series…

Multiply Your Leadership Skills 100X This transformational leadership series is designed for individual leaders looking to level-up their skills and performance. Move from good to great as you become a respected leader worth following, not just someone people have to follow. This series will equip you with tools to lead yourself and your people to […]
29 Apr - 27 May
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806
May 2026
Two women seated at a table in front of a drawing of a business scorecard.

The Great Game of Business® – Minigames™

MiniGames™ What to Expect: MiniGames™ are a fun and effective way to gamify performance, drive results, and boost employee engagement. By turning business challenges into focused, short-term games, teams build business literacy, strengthen collaboration, and generate measurable outcomes — all while having fun. In this half-day (4-hour) training, you’ll learn the key principles for designing a […]
05 May
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806
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Watch On-Demand Business Training

Lance teaching a course.

Are you thinking about starting a new business? Or have you recently started a business and want to make sure you’re set up for success? We offer an on-demand training platform designed for new and emerging businesses. This expert-led, easy-to-understand content can be accessed anywhere, at any time.

Upcoming Events