Celebrating Entrepreneurship in August with Missouri SBDC

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.

Hours of Operation

In accordance with the MSSU calendar and institutional operations, the Missouri SBDC hosted at MSSU will resume normal business hours starting August 12. Their operating hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

They will also be closed on September 2, 2024 in observance of Labor Day and will resume normal operations on September 3, 2024.

Regional Economic Development Summit for Barry, Dad, and Lawrence Counties

Tuesday, September 3 | 8:15 am to 12:00 pm | Free, event | Southwest Research, Extension and Education Center at 14548 State Road H in Mount Vernon, MO 65712

Join the MU Extension – Jasper County for a regional update where you will hear from:

University of Missouri Extension
Innovate SOMO with efactory and Codefi
Missouri Department of Economic Development, SW Region
Southwest Missouri Council of Governments (SMCOG)
USDA Rural Development
Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University and at MSSU
Crowder College’s Training and Development Solutions
Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD)
Springfield Economic Partnership

There will also be updates from chambers of commerce as well as recognition of federal and state legislators.

Safe and Savvy Social Media with BBB

Wednesday, August 29 | 11:00 am to 1:00 pm CST | $12 for Carthage Chamber members, $15 for non-members | Hosted at the Carthage Water and Electric Community Room

Join the Missouri SBDC for an insightful training on Safe and Savvy Social Media with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) hosted in collaboration with the Carthage Chamber of Commerce and presented by the Better Business Bureau!

Social media can be a great way to connect with your customers, but it’s important to be aware of the risks that come with using social media. Pamela Hernandez, Regional Director for BBB – Springfield, will teach you how to be a safe and savvy social media user.

Participants will learn:

How to Secure Your Accounts: Learn strong password habits, two-factor authentication, and privacy settings to keep your accounts safe from hackers.
How to Spot Social Media Scams: Discover red flags, common scams to watch out for, and how to protect yourself from falling victim.
What to Do If You Get Scammed: If you do get scammed, this session will provide guidance on how to report it and take steps to recover.

Learn more and register here.

The Art of Failure

Wednesday, September 4 | 8:30 to 10:00 am | Free event | In-person event at Plaster School of Business’s Cornell Auditorium at MSSU

Join Dr. Josef Hynek, Dean of the Faculty of Informatics and Management from the University of Hradec Kralove in the Czech Republic as we explore “The Art of Failure.”

In a world dominated by success stories, it’s easy to forget that to err is human. We often admire the rich, the beautiful, and the seemingly perfect, aspiring to be perceived in the same light. To avoid failure and disappointment, we tend to shy away from risks and remain in our comfort zones.

However, mistakes and failures are an inevitable part of life. When approached correctly, they can become valuable learning experiences that prepare us for future successes. This training aims to equip you with the skills to accept, work with, and benefit from your mistakes. By the end of this lecture, you will be better prepared to embrace failure as a stepping stone to victory.

Understanding how to leverage failure is crucial for businesses and communities. For businesses, the ability to navigate and learn from setbacks can drive innovation, resilience, and long-term success. For communities, fostering a culture that values learning from mistakes can lead to stronger, more adaptable, and supportive environments.

Don’t miss this opportunity to transform your perspective on failure and learn how to turn setbacks into strengths, benefiting both your professional and personal life.

Technology Evolution Symposium: Staying Ahead in a Dynamic Business Environment

Friday, October 25 | 8:00 am to 4:00 pm CST | Free, event | Hosted at the Ron Richard Athletic Center (formerly the North End Zone facility) on the campus of MSSU

In today’s rapidly evolving business world, staying ahead of the curve is essential for both small and large companies. The integration of technology not only enhances efficiency but also ensures a competitive edge in the market.

This symposium is designed to address these critical needs by showcasing local innovation and featuring tech-centered business leaders as presenters.

Through engaging presentations, participants will gain valuable insights into cutting-edge topics such as:

Revolutionizing how we live: Explore cognitive buildings that learn your habits and adjust to your needs, from personalized climate control to seamless entertainment. Imagine self-healing infrastructure that detects and fixes problems before they disrupt your day.
Transforming cities into living ecosystems: Witness how municipalities harness the power of data to optimize traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and create vibrant, sustainable communities. Learn about intelligent transportation systems that anticipate your needs and get you where you need to go faster and cleaner.
Unlocking unprecedented connectivity: Dive into the world of next-generation networks that deliver lightning-fast data speeds and seamless interconnectivity. Discover how these innovations are fueling the growth of smart cities, remote workforces, and immersive entertainment experiences.

Engage with leading experts at the discussions panel and ask your burning questions about the future of:

Building automation and AI: How will robotics and machine learning reshape the way we interact with our homes and workplaces?
Urban data analytics: Can cities become truly sentient, responding to the needs of their residents in real-time?
The ethical implications of connected living: How do we ensure privacy and security in an increasingly interconnected world?
This is not just a presentation, it’s an exploration! Network with fellow participants, explore interactive exhibits, and get hands-on with cutting-edge technologies. Leave inspired and equipped to navigate the exciting future of cognitive buildings, cities, and connectivity.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to:

Be among the first to experience the future of living and working.
Gain valuable insights from leading experts and innovators.
Shape the conversation about the responsible development of smart technologies.

This training is ideal for professionals across all sectors who are seeking to enhance their understanding of emerging technologies and their practical applications in business. No matter your role – be it executive, manager, entrepreneur, IT specialist, nonprofit professional, or municipal leader — this summit offers indispensable insights and strategies to keep you ahead in the rapidly changing business environment of today.

Reserve your spot here.

Quick Tip for Small Business Owners: Capitalize on the Back-to-School Season

August brings the back-to-school rush, presenting a prime opportunity for your business. Tailor your marketing efforts to cater to students, parents, and educators. Offer special promotions on school supplies, tech gadgets, or services that make the transition smoother. Collaborate with local schools for sponsorships or events. By aligning your business with the back-to-school season, you can attract new customers and boost sales.

Looking for Business Assistance?

Are you ready to grow your existing business? Do you need technical assistance with management, marketing, finance, or accounting?

Check out the services available from the Missouri SBDC network! We exist to provide assistance and training for your small business.

Looking for something different?

Webinars are being offered by all Missouri SBDC centers located across the state. Check out our events page to find more training that fits your business needs.

Visit the Missouri SBDC website, sbdc.missouri.edu, for more about their centers and training offerings.