Business and community

Helping Missourians thrive

At MU Extension Business and Communities, we believe that healthy communities support healthy businesses, and healthy businesses fuel healthy communities. Advancing Missouri’s economic vitality through business, workforce, community, and regional economic development programs is our goal. 

How do we get there? Through tailored training, economic research, expert consultations, and collaborative planning. As part of the University of Missouri System, we help communities tackle their most pressing economic challenges by drawing on expertise in business and community development, labor and workforce strategy, and regional economic growth. 

Beyond traditional education and training, we actively engage the public through newsletters, articles, social media, and multimedia platforms. Our video series, audio podcasts, and other digital content highlight success stories, share emerging insights, and expand awareness of the resources available to businesses and communities statewide. 

Through a wide variety of programs and events designed to foster dialogue, we bring leaders, artists, businesses, and neighborhoods together. By combining research-driven knowledge with real-world experience, we strive to be the partner of choice for those working to create opportunities, support local economies, and build thriving communities across Missouri.