For the past year, Missouri State University’s efactory has offered the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp in Springfield.
Thanks to grant funding through the Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO), this series has expanded at no cost to participants.
Registration is now open for residents of south-central Missouri to participate in the eight-workshop series set for run March 19 through May 7 at Missouri State University-West Plains’ Shannon Hall campus, 401 E. 17th St., in Mtn. Grove. Participants will join a peer network of small business owners and learn from successful entrepreneurs.
“This program is so impactful to our participants as they navigate how to start and grow their business,” said Sandra Smart, business consultant and technology and commercialization specialist at the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at MSU.
Smart has taught the workshop and is invigorated by her work with aspiring entrepreneurs and current small business owners.
In the program, participants learn foundational knowledge and skills about starting and growing a business, including topics like market research and analysis; protecting one’s business and intellectual property; financial management and projections; marketing channels and reaching customer segments; building, compensating and managing a team; and accessing capital
“What sets the program apart from others is that we don’t just talk about these things, we connect participants with local resources and encourage them to work through their business plans and financial projections during the sessions,” Smart said.
Past participants have shared feedback including, “What I learned through this boot camp is an incredible investment into my business’ future as anything I could imagine,” and “Being a part of this boot camp has truly changed and impacted my life in so many ways.”
For more information about the program and how to register, contact Tara Horton at 417-837-2609.
Innovate SOMO, developed by codefi and efactory, is a collaborative network of businesses and organizations who work together for greater impact. We connect workers to training, entrepreneurs to resources, and employers to talent — all to drive regional growth and prosperity. The Southern Missouri Innovation Network transforms communities in the southernmost 47 counties in Missouri by unlocking the full potential of entrepreneurship and innovation.
