Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation receives $111,334 grant award to kickstart our regional entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Joplin, MO – The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation is pleased to announce it received a $111,334 Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) grant on March 10. The grant was awarded to the Chamber by the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) and the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
The grant will co-fund projects that aim to improve the structure of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Jasper, Newton and Barton Counties. Through a collaborative approach and unified branding of new and existing entrepreneurial events, educational programs, mentorships, workspaces, and funding sources, will include:
- Hosting a Joplin Regional Technology Summit & Showcase
- Establishing high school and collegiate startup pitch competitions
- Creating an innovator culture and community
- Organizing e-commerce meet-ups across the region
- Identifying and cultivating access to funding through the Joplin Angel Network
- Establishing an entrepreneurial mentoring program
- Launch Joplin 1 Million Cups event
“This grant will generate new and exciting programs the entire community can stand behind,” said Loni Smith, Director of Small Business Incubation at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. “By jumpstarting talent attraction and retention while focusing on technological advancement, Joplin will be able to reinvent our ideas of economic prosperity. These programs have the ability to serve every demographic in our area and provide services that benefit us all.”
This project will significantly enhance the combined capacities and programs of the greater Joplin area entrepreneurial ecosystem, lead to the creation of high-paying private sector jobs, and build a sustainable community of resources for Joplin area entrepreneurs.
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About Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Promote charitable endeavors that fall within the mission of the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, with special emphasis on supporting charitable, cultural and educational programs and projects through which the community’s quality of life is enhanced.
About MTC & MOBEC
The Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) is a public-private partnership created by the Missouri General Assembly to promote entrepreneurship and foster the growth of new and emerging high-tech companies.
The Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity program (MOBEC) is a cornerstone of MTC’s investment strategy. Through the MOBEC program, MTC makes strategic investments that expand the support system for entrepreneurs that are commercializing new technologies or that enhance the capacity of Missouri to grow its innovation economy.
The Missouri Technology Corporation works closely with Missouri’s Department of Economic Development. Together the two entities focus on supporting entrepreneurs, innovation, and job creation throughout the state.
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