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
Building a Business
Tuesday, February 4 | 10:00 am | Virtual training via Zoom | No cost to attend
You have a business idea. Now what?
This workshop will introduce participants to the importance of writing a business plan by reviewing the various components of business plans as well as how to use that plan in order to attract funding and as a business management tool.
Learn more and register here.
Lunch-and-Learn: Turning Complaints into Opportunities in Partnership with the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce
Wednesday, February 12 | 5:00 pm | In-person event held at the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce | $20 for Neosho Chamber members and $25 for non-members
A 2023 Better Business Bureau (BBB) poll found that 52% of customers will give a company a second chance if they resolve a problem quickly. It’s important to be prepared for a customer complaint or negative reviews so you can respond with a positive attitude and retain their business.
During this lunch and learn, Regional Director for BBB–Springfield Pamela Hernandez will share tips on:
- How to practice service recovery when addressing customer complaints.
- Responding to negative reviews professionally.
- Effectively navigating the BBB customer complaint process and customer reviews to strengthen your business reputation.
Join us for this information-packed session and learn how to build your brand’s reputation for excellent customer service!
Register here.
How to Start a Small Business: The First Steps
Thursday, February 13 | 10:00 am | Virtual training via Zoom | No cost to attend
This workshop covers essential concepts for starting a small business, including target market discovery, customer understanding, licensing, and registration steps. Participants will also learn the basics of cash flow projections and explore various funding alternatives.
Save your spot here.
Workplace Well-Being: Introduction to Mental Health First Aid for Your Organization, Presented Along with Freeman Health System
Wednesday, March 12 | 8:00 am | Virtual and in-person options | No cost to attend
In today’s dynamic work environment, understanding and addressing mental health is essential for fostering a healthy and productive workplace. This training, led by Kylie Poor, is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize, address, and support mental health first aid issues in the workplace.
Led by Kylie Poor, a Certified Prevention Specialist, this free session will equip attendees with the skills necessary to recognize and address mental health challenges at work. There are both virtual and in-person attendance options. But whether you attend in person or virtually, you’ll learn how to support your colleagues’ mental health and create a healthier, more productive environment.
Attendees can enjoy a light breakfast and networking if they attend in person. Virtual and in-person attendees will:
- Understand the importance of mental health at work
- Learn what Mental Health First Aid is and why it’s essential
- Gain the confidence to become a Mental Health First Aider
Learn more and register here.
Spring 2025 Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey with Financial Integrators
Wednesday, April 2 | 11:00 am | In-person event hosted at MSSU | No cost to attend
Join us for the first speaker in the Entrepreneur Speaker Series and hear from Lane Clevenger, owner of Financial Integrators. Lane takes a holistic approach to financial well-being. As a team leader, his role is to serve as the “financial quarterback” and coordinator for all of your financial needs. As a CFP® (CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER) professional, Lane puts the golden rule into action daily. Lane holds Series 7 and Series 65 securities registrations. He also holds life and health insurance licenses and serves clients across the nation.
Don’t miss his engaging entrepreneurial journey discussion where he’ll share his story and insights into building a successful business in the financial industry.
Find out more here.
Pitch Palooza 2025
Thursday, April 17 | 8:00 am | In-person event hosted at MSSU | No cost to attend
Are you ready to take your ideas to the next level? Join us at Pitch Palooza, a high-energy event where creativity meets innovation, and bold entrepreneurs like you can make a lasting impact. Whether you’re presenting a groundbreaking idea, supporting a rising star, or simply soaking in the inspiration, Pitch Palooza promises to be an unforgettable experience.
- Showcase Your Vision. If you’re an entrepreneur, this is your chance to shine! Demonstrate your skills, your market vision, and the unique aspects of your solution. Impress the audience and judges with your strategic thinking, creativity, and passion.
- Refine Your Pitch. Get personalized feedback from expert judges on your Problem Identification, Solution Presentation, Market Opportunity, Team Introduction, and Go-to-Market Strategy. Learn from the best and sharpen your skills to make your pitch stand out from the crowd.
- Network with Like-Minded Innovators. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. Pitch Palooza is a celebration of collaboration, offering opportunities to build valuable relationships that could shape your future ventures.
Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Be part of a community that believes in the power of ideas to shape the future. Register for Pitch Palooza here.
Spring into Sales: Tips for Boosting Your Business as March Approaches
The arrival of spring brings new opportunities for small businesses to attract fresh customers and increase revenue.
Whether you’re a retail store, a service provider, or an online entrepreneur, here are some actionable tips to help you “spring” into action and make the most of this season.
- Refresh Your Marketing Strategy. Spring is a time of renewal, so why not apply that concept to your marketing efforts? Take a look at your existing strategies and see where you can refresh or revamp them.
- Leverage Seasonal Products or Services. Do you offer products or services that are particularly relevant in the spring? Now is the time to make those offerings a focal point of your sales strategy.
- Engage with Your Local Community. Spring is often a time for outdoor events and community engagement. Take advantage of local happenings to build awareness of your business.
- Reconnect Your Customers. Springs is a great time to reconnect with past customers who may have drifted away during the colder months. Reach out through personalized emails or phone calls to check in, offer updates, or remind them of your latest products or services.
- Get Creative with Seasonal Content. As the weather warms up, people start to spend more time outdoors and are generally in a more positive, active mindset. Use this as an inspiration to create engaging content that resonates with your audience.
Spring is all about renewal and growth, making it an ideal time to kick your sales into high gear. By refreshing your marketing strategies, offering seasonal products, engaging with your community, and boosting your online presence, you’ll be setting your business up for a successful season.
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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