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

January 2026

Early-Stage Business Boot Camp – Elevate Entrepreneurs – (4-Week / 8-Session Program)

Are you an aspiring or early-stage small business owner? The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp helps entrepreneurs look at all aspects of their business, explore the feasibility of a new business venture, and learn how to develop a viable business model. During this fast-paced, interactive, fun, and energizing program, attendees will discover the best practices, talk […]
13 Jan - 05 Feb
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Funding for Businesses and Resources to Aid in your Business Journey

Join us to learn about possible sources of business funding, the Five C’s of credit, what a credit score is and why it matters, what’s included in a loan application (including the importance of a business plan and cash flow projections with assumptions), and how to avoid predatory lending practices. A box lunch will be provided […]
23 Jan
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lawrence County Health Department – Community Room
1549 Missouri Dr, Mount Vernon, MO

Show Me the Money: Your SSBCI Funding Playbook

Discover how the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) provides capital access programs designed to support small businesses through loan participation and venture capital. This session will guide you through eligibility requirements, application processes, and how to leverage these federal-state partnership funds to grow your business. This program is offered in partnership with Justine PETERSEN.
29 Jan
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
February 2026

Funding for Business Growth

Access to capital can fuel growth—or create setbacks if pursued too early or without a plan. This session helps business owners understand the main funding options available and how to choose the right fit for their stage and goals. We’ll dive into traditional bank loans, SBA financing, pitch competitions, grants, and investors, with a focus on when each makes sense […]
10 Feb
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Center Street Station
104 E Center Street, Sikeston, MO 63801

Self-Fund, Borrow, or Partner Up? Pick Your Funding Adventure

Explore three primary funding strategies for your business—self-funding through bootstrapping, borrowing through debt financing, and raising capital through equity investment. We’ll compare the advantages and trade-offs of each approach and help you determine which funding path aligns best with your business goals and growth stage. This program is offered in partnership with Justine PETERSEN.  
12 Feb
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online

Before You Leap: The Real Talk on Business Ownership

Evaluate whether entrepreneurship aligns with your personal goals, skills, and lifestyle through an honest assessment of what it takes to succeed as a business owner. This session covers the realities of business ownership, including time commitment, financial risk, and the mindset needed to navigate challenges and uncertainty. This program is offered in partnership with Justine […]
26 Feb
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
March 2026
Man sitting behind a LEGO scene with an airplane and LEGO mini-figure.

Building Leadership Excellence: A LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Based Workshop

Are you ready to unlock your leadership potential through hands-on discovery and creative thinking? This innovative 4-hour workshop uses the proven LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® methodology to help leaders at all levels gain deeper insights into their leadership style, strengths, and growth opportunities. Through guided building exercises and structured reflection, participants will construct their understanding of […]
11 Mar
8:30 am - 12:30 pm
efactory
405 N Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806

Reaching Your Customers

Develop effective strategies to identify, attract, and retain your target customers through marketing, branding, and customer engagement tactics. Learn how to create a customer acquisition plan that fits your budget, leverage digital and traditional marketing channels, and build lasting relationships that drive repeat business. This program is offered in partnership with Justine PETERSEN.  
12 Mar
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online

Hiring Employees & Managing Relationships

Navigate the complexities of bringing on your first employees, from understanding employment laws and payroll requirements to creating a positive workplace culture. This session covers recruitment best practices, legal compliance, effective onboarding, and strategies for building strong employer-employee relationships that support business growth. This program is offered in partnership with Justine PETERSEN.  
19 Mar
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online

Sleep Better at Night: Protecting Your Business from the Unexpected

Protect your business from potential threats by understanding key risks and the insurance coverage options available to mitigate them. Learn about general liability, property, workers’ compensation, and other essential policies, plus risk management strategies to safeguard your assets and ensure business continuity. This program is offered in partnership with Justine PETERSEN.  
26 Mar
12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
April 2026
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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