Missouri's rural communities are a mix of thriving and struggling areas, each with its unique challenges and successes. Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC), facilitated by the University of Missouri Extension, plays a crucial role in bridging these varied experiences, fostering a collaborative environment where best practices, success stories, and innovative ideas are shared. This platform is instrumental in helping communities at different stages of economic development learn from each other and implement new initiatives inspired by these exchanges.
The diverse landscape of rural Missouri
In Missouri, some rural communities face significant economic challenges, including low-paying jobs, seasonal work, and persistent poverty. Deep poverty, particularly among children, remains a critical issue. Conversely, other rural communities thrive by leveraging their resourcefulness and strong social networks to drive economic development. These communities are adept at finding innovative solutions to their unique challenges, turning obstacles into opportunities for growth.
The CEC Conference: A platform for learning and collaboration
CEC’s flagship event is an annual conference hosted by a different rural community in Missouri each year. Since its inception in 2020, the conference has grown significantly, becoming a key event in the state’s rural economic development calendar. Starting with the initial challenge of convincing Hannibal to host the first Missouri conference in 2020, the CEC Conference has transformed to the current demand where eight communities across the state applied to host the 2025 conference. This journey showcases the increasing recognition and value of this initiative.
Unlike traditional conferences held in hotels or conference centers, the CEC Conference takes place in the heart of the host town's business district. Sessions are held within local businesses such as coffee shops, art galleries, breweries, restaurants, and museums. This innovative and immersive approach not only supports local businesses but also provides attendees with a real-world view of the host community's entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Originally launched by Michigan State University Extension, this unique model in rural economic development brings together people from rural communities at different stages of economic health—from those that are barely surviving to those that are thriving. This inclusive approach ensures that communities struggling with economic hardships can learn from the successes of their more prosperous counterparts.
Sharing success stories and best practices
One of the key features of the CEC Conference is its focus on local success stories. Breakout sessions featuring local entrepreneurs and community leaders provide firsthand insights into facilitating rural economic prosperity through entrepreneurship. These stories offer valuable lessons and inspiration for those working and volunteering in roles relevant to economic development, demonstrating how the people in the host town overcame challenges and utilized available resources effectively. For communities facing economic difficulties, these sessions are a treasure trove of practical knowledge and proven strategies.
Networking and interaction
Designed with 30-minute breaks between sessions, the CEC Conference promotes leisurely networking and exploration of the host town. This structure fosters meaningful connections and a deeper understanding of the local entrepreneurial landscape. Participants from struggling communities can interact with those from thriving areas, facilitating the exchange of ideas and building relationships that can lead to new initiatives and collaborations.
Community involvement and team-based approach
The success of the CEC Conference relies on a collaborative effort between Extension services and the host community. This approach encourages team participation from communities, often involving local business supporters like chambers of commerce. This team-based approach strengthens local networks and resources, enhancing community capacity. For struggling communities, this means access to a broader network of support and the opportunity to learn from the collective wisdom and experience of others.
Continuous learning through webinars
In addition to the annual conference, CEC helps rural communities build and grow resources that support invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship through the CEC Monthly Exchange webinar series. Twice-monthly webinars are designed for attendees to bookend their months with speakers on various topics relevant to rural economic development. They provide ongoing support and education, helping communities stay informed and connected while offering continuous opportunities for learning and growth.
Key takeaway
CEC exemplifies how thoughtfully designed events can significantly impact small towns and their entrepreneurial ecosystems. By bringing together people from rural communities at different stages of economic development, the CEC conference and webinar series foster a dynamic environment where best practices are shared, and new ideas are cultivated. This model not only showcases the strengths of rural communities but also helps them build the networks, cultures, resources, and policies needed to support sustained economic growth. As Missouri continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities of rural economic development, initiatives like CEC are essential in shaping a prosperous future for all.
For more information on the benefits of hosting a CEC Conference, you can watch this 40-minute video.
To register for the CEC newsletter, webinar series, and/or Conference, visit our program page: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/connecting-entrepreneurial-communities
See also this article: https://tigerprints.clemson.edu/joe/vol60/iss2/12/
Amplify your efforts to shape the future of rural Missouri by joining the CEC community today.