- Date published
Navigating the world of small business resources can be confusing. There are lots of groups, associations, and experts waiting to help you take your business to the next level. But sorting through all that information takes time, and determining which offers are legit can take trial and (costly) error.
Meet Missouri: Resources to Grow Your Small Business
December 7, 2017 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Small Business Majority is cutting through the noise with Meet Missouri: Resources to Grow Your Small Business. The one-day event will connect attendees to low or no cost resources in the community that can help your business grow.
Attendees can connect with nonprofits, community development financial institutions (CDFIs), government agencies, and other organizations focused on serving small businesses.
The event is free and open to the public, and will take place on December 7, 2017 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at The eFactory.
Lunch, Learn, Launch
In addition to connecting with exhibitors, attendees can register to attend Lunch, Learn, Launch: Starting a Business in 2018. This one-hour workshop will take place from 12:00 to 1:00 pm and is designed specifically for those who are considering a new business venture.
The workshop will examine the importance of planning, legal and regulatory requirements, and identify sources of financing. Program highlights include: evaluating a business idea, estimating start-up costs, identifying competitors and customers, and discussing the challenges of small business ownership.
Registration is free, but interested attendees must register in advance to attend the lunch session.
Exhibitors will remain at their booths during this time.
Who’s Who
Connect with the following organizations plus dozens of fellow small business owners at Meet Missouri.
1 Million Cups Springfield – A free weekly event for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the thriving peer network of founders and advocates in Springfield.
Cover Missouri Coalition – The Cover Missouri Coalition works to reduce the number of uninsured individuals in Missouri. You can visit with Cover Missouri reps to discuss enrollment and healthcare options that fit your small business.
The eFactory – The eFactory is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and businesses in southwest Missouri start, grow, and accelerate their companies.
E.W. Scripps Company – E.W. Scripps Company provides small businesses with a variety of marketing and advertising resources. Their professional staff team can assist you in identifying and reaching your marketing goals.
Justine Petersen – Justine PETERSEN gives people opportunities to create new futures for themselves and their families by helping them become and stay homeowners, start and run successful businesses, access education, begin and manage personal savings programs.
Management Development Institute (MDI) – MDI provides quality professional education to individuals and corporate clients in order to enhance careers and foster workforce development. MDI can offer you and your employees a wide range of courses and customized training events tailored to your needs.
Midwest Family Broadcasting – Mid-West Family Broadcasting is a full service marketing company that can assist your small business with both the recruitment of qualified candidates and the promotion of your goods and services. Their highly trained sales staff achieves proven results for clients on both short and long-term campaigns.
Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) – The Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (MO PTAC) assist businesses — including small, disadvantaged and women owned firms — in obtaining federal, state and local government contracts.
Rosie – Rosie helps support, assist and serve as an advocate network for current and prospective female founders, business owners and leaders in the Springfield region.
Small Business Administration (SBA) – The Small Business Administration delivers millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance to small businesses each year.
Small Business Majority – Small Business Majority is a national small business advocacy organization, founded and run by small business owners to ensure America’s entrepreneurs are a key part of an inclusive, equitable and diverse economy.
Small Business & Technology Development Center (SBTDC) – The SBTDC provides businesses with training, consulting, products, and solutions designed to help them become part of Missouri’s thriving business sector. Services include one-on-one consultation, training seminars, financial analysis tools, feasibility studies, marketing guides, and more.
Southwest Missouri SCORE – SCORE is dedicated to providing quality mentoring to help with your business needs. SCORE volunteers provide in-depth, industry-specific business assistance to help evaluate a business idea or plan, stimulate business growth, and ensure long-term development.
Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce – The mission of the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce is to serve as the principal advocate for business in partnership with the community; support and assist existing businesses; act as the primary catalyst in promoting the economic health of the Springfield area, stimulating jobs and improving the quality of life.
Springfield-Greene County Library District – The Springfield-Greene County Library District has a wealth of resources available to small business owners and entrepreneurs. A library card provides you access not only to a wide variety of in-person trainings and courses, but also robust databases and online courses. Businesses located inside the library district can get a company library card, regardless of where owners or employees reside.
US Department of Agriculture (USDA) – Agriculture is full of exciting and rewarding opportunities. The USDA also has exciting new programs for veterans looking to learn more about employment, education, and entrepreneurship on or beyond the farm.
Organizers
Meet Missouri is presented by Small Business Majority. The free lunch session is presented by the Small Business & Technology Development Center.
