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.
Supporting Small Businesses This June
As summer begins, June presents new opportunities for small businesses to grow and connect with their communities. Warmer weather brings increased foot traffic, local events, and a renewed focus on shopping locally.
This is a great time for business owners to introduce seasonal promotions, refresh storefronts, and engage customers with summer-themed marketing. Mid-year is also ideal for reviewing goals, adjusting strategies, and planning for the second half of the year.
Community support remains essential. Whether it’s through local shopping events, collaborations, or simply spreading the word, every effort helps small businesses thrive.
Let’s make June a month of growth, connection, and local impact!
Please Join the Missouri SBDC in Welcoming Their Newest Business Consultant: Jennifer Hood
Jennifer is a Missouri Southern State University alumna with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, emphasis in Human Resource Management. Originally from Mount Vernon, Missouri, she brings over 12 years of diverse HR experience across corporate, higher education, and nonprofit sectors.
Driven by her passion for building strong, people-centered workplaces, Jennifer is eager to collaborate with local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to create a lasting impact and support sustainable growth in our region. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, trivia nights, and spending time with her dog, Happy.
Upcoming Events
How to Start a Small Business: The First Steps
Tuesday, June 17 | 11:00 am | Virtual training session | No cost to attend
Start the summer 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.
Register here.
Early-Stage Business Boot Camp: Joplin (Seven-Week Program)
Thursdays beginning September 18 and ending October 30, 2025 | 4:30 to 6:30 pm weekly | In-person | Free to attend, thanks to U.S. Bank Foundation | Located at Plaster School of Business at MSSU
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.
Learn more and register here.
Introducing SBDC Summer Hours
In accordance with MSSU’s summer ours, the Missouri SBDC office is switching to summer hours:
- Monday to Thursday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Friday to Sunday, closed
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.
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