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.
Strengthening the Heart of Your Business
February is often associated with relationships, and for small business owners, relationships are at the center of success – with customers, employees, partners, and financial systems. This month is a great time to check in on the health of your business by reviewing financial records, preparing for tax deadlines, and strengthening the connections that support long-term growth.
If you’d like assistance evaluating your financial position, identifying opportunities, or preparing for upcoming deadlines, the Missouri SBDC consultants are able to help.
Schedule a consulting appointment by visiting their website or calling their office directly at 417.625.3128.
Show Finances Some Love: Tax Season Readiness*
Tax season is upon us, and preparation now can reduce stress and prevent costly mistakes later. Even if you work with an accountant, business owners can benefit from staying organized and proactive.
Some helpful reminders for February include:
- Ensure that W-2 and 1099 forms have been issued and filed.
- Reconcile bank and credit card accounts.
- Review profit/loss statements for accuracy.
- Confirm documentation for deductible tax expenses.
- Set aside funds for upcoming tax payments.
Working through these steps early gives you time to correct discrepancies and identify planning opportunities. Missouri SBDC consultants can help you review financial statements and prepare questions for your tax professional.
View the 2026 tax calendar here.
*As always, this is not legal or tax advice.
Quick Business Tip: Check Your Copyright for 2026
As you refresh your website, marketing materials, and digital content for the new year, it’s a good idea to check that your copyright year reflects 2026. While this is a small detail, an outdated copyright year can give the impression that a website or document hasn’t been updated recently.
Take a few moments to check:
- Your website footer
- Email signatures
- Digital brochures or PDFs
- Social media graphics or pinned posts
Upcoming Events
Early-Stage Business Boot Camp
Monday, February 23 to Wednesday, March 11 | 12:00 to 1:30 pm | Virtual series
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 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 you build your foundational business knowledge and jumpstart your new business.
This program was developed by the Missouri SBDC hosted at Missouri State University and the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. It’s powered by the Show-Me Network and led by Codefi the efactory.
Participants 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.
This eight-session, group based education program provides future or early-stage entrepreneurs and small business owners with:
- Available business resources
- Market research and analysis
- Market identification and sales
- Financial management and projections
- Marketing channels and reaching customer segments
- Building and compensating your team/hiring and managing employees
- Accessing capital – types and sources
- Positioning your business for growth
Enroll for the Early-Stage Business Boot Camp to learn more about important topics impacting your business’s success! Learn more and register here.
Pitch Palooza 2026
Thursday, April 16 and Friday, April 17 | Hosted at Missouri Southern State University | Application deadline March 22
Have a business idea or a growing venture that you’re ready to share? Pitch Palooza 2026 is your chance to step forward, gain visibility, and compete for cash prizes, mentorship, and valuable feedback from experienced judges.
Participants can enter in three tracks:
- Collegiate
- Startup
- Scalability
In each category, participants must only register and submit a short pitch video. Finalists will present live at the Plaster School of Business in April. The deadline to submit is Sunday, March 22, 2026.
Don’t wait! Space is limited and time is moving quickly. Take advantage of this opportunity to refine your pitch and showcase your idea. Register here.
Trainings Coming in 2026
Keep an eye on the Missouri SBDC training schedule for these training programs:
- Starting a Small Business: The First Steps
- Financial Basics
- Entrepreneurship Speaker Series
- Canva Basics
- Government Contracting
- Basics in A.I.
Click here to view the training schedule.
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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