CEC Quarterly Exchange Webinar
Join us for the CEC Exchange Webinar Series, a professional learning opportunity dedicated to showcasing the power of collaboration in rural Missouri communities. In 2026, the series will shift to a quarterly webinar format, spotlighting successful stories of partnership and innovation that are strengthening connections and creating lasting impact across our small towns and rural regions.
Attendees will hear real stories with real impact directly from community leaders, organizations, and individuals who have successfully worked together to overcome challenges and seize opportunities. Each webinar will conclude with a live Q&A session, providing time to connect with speakers and peers, exchange ideas, and build networks.
Whether you're an economic development or nonprofit professional, local official, business owner, or simply passionate about rural development, the CEC Exchange Webinar Series is your go-to for inspiration, learning, and connection.
Series info
Friday, May 29, 2026, 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Webinar: Featuring Homegrown for the Creative Economy
Join us for a FREE Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) webinar as we share an overview of the HOMEGROWN program. Participants from the April session in Poplar Bluff will share their feedback on the program.
University of Missouri Extension delivered HOMEGROWN Entrepreneurship to Poplar Bluff with a two-day workshop and vendor fair designed to inspire, equip, and connect entrepreneurs at every stage in April 2026. Entrepreneurship—creative and traditional alike—is one of the strongest drivers of sustainable local economic growth. By investing in locally owned businesses, communities strengthen their economies from the inside out, supporting innovation, job creation, and long-term vitality.
First launched in 2021, the HOMEGROWN curriculum event in Poplar Bluff was made possible through funding from the Delta Regional Authority.
