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.
Upcoming Events
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.
Government Contracting Series
Multiple dates beginning September 10 | Presented by Allen Waldo
Join Allen Waldo for this series on government contracting! Waldo has worked with the Missouri APEX/PTAC since 2014. He offers counseling in government contracting for mainly small businesses and can assist your small business in registering to do business with the federal government and the State of Missouri. He also offers expertise in assisting small businesses in applying for various socioeconomic certifications.
The dates of each event are as follows:
- Wednesday, September 10, 2025 — Introduction to Government Contracting
- Tuesday, October 21, 2025 — Socioeconomic Certifications
- Tuesday, November 18, 2025 — Marketing to Government + Solicitations
Register here.
Fall 2025 Entrepreneurship Series: Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey with John Hunter
Wednesday, September 24 | 9:00 to 10:00 am | Cornell Auditorium, Plaster School of Business, MSSU | No cost to attend
Join Missouri SBDC to learn about John Hunter’s entrepreneurial journey. John is the President and CEO of American Ramp Company and Atlas Safe Rooms. He also co-owns University Plaza LLC, JNJ Properties, and Gusanos Pizza Joplin. For the last 15 years John has led a team that has developed thousands of skate and bike park facilities across the globe, including all 50 states and 46 countries. Over the years John has contributed to national publications and been a speaker both state and international recreation and trail conferences. He is a National Ambassador for the non-profit “All Kids Bike” and a partner in “Be Good Foundation.”
Register here.
Principles of Small Business Finance
Three-week program beginning on November 13 | Taught by Michael Brockett | $99 per participant
This three-week course is facilitated by Michael Brockett, whose professional career spans over four decades as a Business Financing and Recovery Consultant. In this course, participants will learn:
- How to determine the Financially Feasibility of their small business, startup, or expansion.
- How to determine their Market Share and why it’s important.
- How to read and interpret their computer-generated financial statements.
- How to price their products or services for maximum profitability.
- How bank loans, venture loans, and venture capital investment works.
- How to calculate the value of their business or business idea.
Find out more here.
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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