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.
Fall Break Office Hours
Please note that the Missouri SBDC office hours align with MSSU’s hours. So, beginning Monday, October 13 and ending on Tuesday, October 14, the office will be closed for Fall Break.
Newly Launched On-Demand Video: How to Start Your Small Business
Do you have fresh ideas and a plan to launch your dream business? This on-demand workshop is designed to teach participants the essential concepts to consider before starting a small business.
Participants will learn the importance of discovering target markets and understanding customer needs. The SBDC team will guide you through the steps of licensing and registering a business with federal, state, and local agencies. Finally, they’ll offer insights into creating cash flow projects and exploring various funding alternatives to set your business up for success in 2025 and beyond.
Learning objectives include:
- Legal entity options
- Where to register your business
- Options for startup funding
- Information to know on how to securing funding
- Market discovery
- Other important details to consider
Learn more and watch the full video here.
Upcoming Events
Don’t Miss Part Two of the Government Contracting Series: Socio-Economic Certifications
Tuesday, October 21 | Presented by Allen Waldo
This series of trainings is presented by Allen Waldo, who has worked with the Missouri APEX/PTAC since 2014. He offers counseling in government contracting for mainly small businesses. He 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 businesses in applying for various socio-economic certifications.
In this course, attendees will learn about the main socio-economic certifications recognized by the federal government and how the federal government may also “set aside” solicitations so only those companies that meet one or more of these goals can even bid on and be awarded a contract. Additionally, this course will discuss the state of Missouri’s Women Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, and Service Disabled Veteran Enterprise and what advantages each of these certifications may offer a contractor. Finally, the course material will cover MoDOT, various airports, and other agencies that recognize both Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Airport Concessionaire DBEs.
The dates of each event are as follows:
- 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 Kristen Hawkins
Wednesday, October 22 | 11:00 am to 12:00 pm | Cornell Auditorium, Plaster School of Business, MSSU | No cost to attend
This event brings together visionaries, innovators, and industry leaders from diverse backgrounds to share their journeys, insights, and expertise with a vibrant community of students, faculty, community members, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, an aspiring startup founder, or simply curious about the world of entrepreneurship, this Speaker Series offers something for everyone.
Join the Missouri SBDC in welcoming Kristen Hawkins and learning more about PUP and her entrepreneurial journey. Kristen Hawkins is the founder and CEO of PUP, a super neat dog boutique in downtown Carl Junction. She is a graduate of MSSU and uses her business background to create a unique blend of products, services, and community events that enrich the lives of dogs and their people. Kristen is a strong advocate of animal rights and actively participates in animal-assisted therapy work.
Learn more and 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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