Join Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) as they celebrate entrepreneurship and highlight the vibrant business community fostered by the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Center for Entrepreneurship at MSSU!
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.
Out of Office
The SBDC hosted at MSSU will be closed from Friday, December 20 to Wednesday, January 1, 2025. See you next year!
Small Business Starter Kit: Getting It Right From the Start
Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 8:30 am to 10:00 am | Free, virtual event
Kick off the new year 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.
Get your Zoom link for this virtual workshop here.
Lunch & Learn Corporate Transparency Act: New LLC Requirements
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 | 11:30 am to 1:00 pm | Free, virtual event
Join us for an insightful Lunch & Learn session on the Corporate Transparency Act: New LLC Requirements for BOI Reporting.
Discover the crucial details of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), including reporting requirements, exemptions, and penalties for non-compliance. Our business consultant will guide you through a comprehensive checklist, offering practical insights and best practices to ensure that your small business stays compliant with the new LLC requirements.
Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your business journey, this Lunch & Learn provides essential information to navigate the CTA and its implications for your LLC. Stay informed, ask questions, and network with fellow small business owners to enhance your understanding of the latest regulations.
Learn more and sign up here.
Early-Stage Business Bootcamp: Joplin (Eight-Week Program)
Eight-week program beginning Thursday, January 16, 2025 | Hosted at the Joplin Public Library | Free, in-person program
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.
Find out more about this program and how to be a part of it here.
New Year, New Business Goals: It’s Time to Start Strong
As we step into the new year, it’s the perfect moment to reset, refocus, and chart the course for your business’s success. The start of a new year offers a unique opportunity to align your goals with fresh energy and determination. Whether you’re a small startup or an established enterprise, setting clear, actionable goals can help you unlock growth, innovation, and efficiency.
Here’s how you can make 2025 your most successful year yet:
- Reflect on 2024: What worked? What didn’t? Before you set goals, take a moment to reflect on the past year. Celebrate your successes, but also learn from your mistakes. Analyzing the highs and lows can give you insights into where improvements are needed and where you should double down on your strengths.
- Set SMART Goals. To truly achieve success, your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound (SMART). Instead of vague resolutions like “increase revenue,” get specific, like “Increase revenue by 15% by the end of Q3 through new product launches and targeted marketing campaigns.” This structure makes your goals more actionable and helps you track progress.
- Focus on Customer Experience. In 2025, customer experience should be at the heart of your business goals. Delivering excellent service, gathering feedback, and improving your offerings will build loyalty and encourage repeat business. Whether it’s refining your customer support or enhancing your digital interfaces, ensuring satisfaction should always be a top priority.
- Invest in Team Development. A strong team is the backbone of any successful business. Set goals to invest in your employees’ growth — be it through training, leadership development, or creating a positive work culture. Motivated, skilled employees are essential for long-term success.
- Adapt to Market Trends. Stay ahead of the curve by staying informed about market shifts and consumer trends. Set goals to research emerging trends and adjust your business strategy accordingly. Whether it’s sustainability, remote work, or new consumer preferences, being adaptable is key to maintaining relevance in a fast-moving market.
- Ready to Get Started? The new year brings a chance for growth, reinvention, and success. Use this time to set goals that challenge you, inspire your team, and move your business forward. By focusing on these key areas, 2025 can be your best year yet — filled with new opportunities, breakthroughs, and achievements.
Book an appointment now with your local SBDC to get started on your new year goals now!
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.
Register today to become a Missouri SBDC client at now cost!
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.
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