Join the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) hosted at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) as they celebrate entrepreneurship and continue to foster and support the vibrant business community of our area.
Whether you’re looking to expand your skillset, or simply to connect with fellow professionals, the Missouri SBDC has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these opportunities to learn, network, and thrive.
Coming Soon: Spring 2025 Entrepreneurship Speaker Series
In the fall of 2024, the Missouri SBDC hosted at MSSU launched an incredible speaker series called the Entrepreneur Speaker Series.
They welcomed Meg Dale of Pineapple Bliss and Mat Ball and Matt Baumann from 24 – Twentyfour/Elite 24Hr Gym. They wrapped the series with Kelly Reddin, owner and chief of holiday magic to entrepreneurship, reminding us that creativity and passion can light up any venture, just like the holiday season inspires joy and connection.
If you missed any of these inspiring sessions, you can watch them all on the Missouri SBDC’s YouTube channel. And don’t miss out! Their Spring 2025 Speaker Series lineup is coming soon, bringing even more inspiration and entrepreneurial cheer.
The Entrepreneurship Speaker Series at MSSU connects dreamers and doers with successful business leaders to share stories, tools, and insights. Just as the holidays spark magic, entrepreneurship sparks innovation, creating opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re starting out or just curious, the series is a gift of inspiration for all!
Learn more about the series here.
Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential at Pitch Palooza 2025
Are you ready to take your ideas to the next level? Join us at Pitch Palooza, a high-energy event where creativity meets innovation, and bold entrepreneurs like you can make a lasting impact. Whether you’re presenting a groundbreaking idea, supporting a rising star, or simply soaking in the inspiration, Pitch Palooza promises to be an unforgettable experience.
- Showcase Your Vision. If you’re an entrepreneur, this is your chance to shine! Demonstrate your skills, your market vision, and the unique aspects of your solution. Impress the audience and judges with your strategic thinking, creativity, and passion.
- Refine Your Pitch. Get personalized feedback from expert judges on your Problem Identification, Solution Presentation, Market Opportunity, Team Introduction, and Go-to-Market Strategy. Learn from the best and sharpen your skills to make your pitch stand out from the crowd.
- Network with Like-Minded Innovators. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Pitch Palooza is a celebration of collaboration, offering opportunities to build valuable relationships that could shape your future ventures.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Be part of a community that believes in the power of ideas to shape the future. Register for Pitch Palooza here.
Small Business Starter Kit: Getting It Right from the Start
Thursday, January 9 | 8:30 am to 10:00 am | Online only
Kick off the new year with fresh ideas and a plan to launch your dream business! This workshop is designed to teach participants the essential concepts to consider before starting a small business. You’ll learn the importance of discovering your target market and understanding your customers’ needs. We’ll guide you through the steps of licensing and registering your business with federal, state, and local agencies. Finally, gain insights into creating cash flow projections and explore various funding alternatives to set your business up for success in 2025 and beyond.
Learn more and register here.
Early-Stage Business Boot Camp: Joplin (Eight-Week Program)
Thursday, January 16 | 4:00 to 6:30 pm | Hosted at the Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th Street
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 through real-life examples, and learn about valuable local resources designed to help small businesses grow. This multi-session Boot Camp is an accelerated program that helps build your foundational business knowledge and jumpstart your new business. This program is offered in conjunction with Missouri Southern State University and Innovate SOMO.
Participants of the program will receive ongoing coaching and mentoring to develop a growth plan and financial budget by the end of the program. Guest speakers and visiting entrepreneurs will bring their real-world experience to make the program topics come alive.
Click here to register or to learn more about this program.
Looking for something different?
The Missouri SBDC values your input and wants to tailor their training efforts to your needs! If there’s a specific topic that you’re eager to learn about or an area where you would like to sharpen your skills, don’t hesitate to reach out and share your ideas.
To share your ideas with your local Missouri SBDC, click here.
Be the first to comment