- Date published
Money will support new entrepreneurial specialist
The eFactory in the Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development at Missouri State University was recently awarded $140,000 from the Missouri Technology Corporation. This two-year grant – provided through the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC)program – will fund an entrepreneurial specialist staff position at The eFactory.
“The entrepreneurial specialist position will assist in the development and coordination of new programs that focus on early-stage capital investment and business mentorship in addition to supporting cooperative partner programs, such as 1 Million Cups,” said Brian Kincaid, director of the business incubator program at The eFactory.
Through the MOBEC program, MTC makes strategic investments that expand the support system for entrepreneurs that are commercializing new technologies or that enhance the capacity of Missouri to grow its innovation economy. Building on momentum that started when The eFactory opened in March 2013, support through the MOBEC program is a critical step in the further development of entrepreneurial activity in the Springfield region.
“The eFactory continues to foster a community of entrepreneurs that encourages interaction, cooperation and creativity. The funding received from the Missouri Technology Corporation will allow for the delivery of resources and programs that are critical to the ongoing development of a culture of innovation,” added Kincaid.
The position will be sustained through revenues after the second year.
For more information, contact Kincaid at (417) 836-2600.
About the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development
This center is the foundation of the entrepreneurship element in IDEA Commons, acting as a one-stop shop for new small businesses, providing resources, giving guidance and assisting with start-up activities. Inside, you’ll find The eFactory (managed by Springfield Innovation, Inc.), the University’scooperative engineering program with Missouri University of Science and Technology, the Small Business and Technology Development Center, the Management Development Institute, Springfield Angel Network, Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Missouri Enterprise, SCORE and other community and university resources.
About IDEA Commons
This unique project brings together the elements of Innovation, Design, Entrepreneurship and Arts (IDEA) and is an example of how the University continues to be engaged in promoting the community’s livability and economic success. The major facilities currently in IDEA Commons include the Roy Blunt Jordan Valley Innovation Center, the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development, and Brick City.
