Bookend your month with knowledge and resources on facilitating rural economic development through entrepreneurship.

Whether you're an economic development professional, policymaker, community leader, or entrepreneur, these webinars are designed to equip you with the tools and knowledge needed to make a meaningful impact in your community.

These webinars will take place at 1:30 pm on the first and last Fridays of each month, providing valuable insights, expert speakers, and practical strategies to support your efforts in driving entrepreneurship and fostering economic growth in rural communities.

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Series info

May 31, 2024 — Dr. James Stapleton

Dr. Stapleton is a nationally recognized entrepreneurship champion with over 30 years of experience as a creative and tech startup founder, coach, investor, and regional entrepreneurship ecosystem developer. His passion for improving lives has driven him to co-found Codefi in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, where he spearheads initiatives to boost regional economies through high-growth entrepreneurship, early-stage capital investment, and technical education.

June 7, 2024 — Desma Deitz, Executive Director of VentureLab

Throughout her career, Desma has been dedicated to creating programs that support children's education, health, and wellness. From her early days at her local Girl Scouts council to her tenure at UNICEF USA, she has championed solutions that promote equity and access for all children. Desma is also enthusiastic about leveraging technology to accelerate social progress. As Executive Director of VentureLab, Desma is committed to making world-class entrepreneurship education accessible to children worldwide. VentureLab's mission is to empower the next generation of innovators and changemakers by providing open-access curriculum and resources to educators, youth leaders, and parents.

June 28, 2024 — Relations & Network Building

Featuring Dr. Steve Henness, Chris Egelston, David Burton, Meg Langland, Christina Salter, & Dr. Kasi Lacey

July 5, 2024 — Beth Snyder

July 12, 2024 — Removing Barriers

Featuring William King & Jonathan Bell

July 19, 2024 — CEC/Codefi Collab Webinar

Dr. James Stapleton, co-founder of Codefi 

July 26, 2024 — Innovation in Facilitation

Featuring Maggie Strong, Chris Egelston, Dr. Steve Henness, Darin Preis, Jayme Prenger, Jamie Wallingford, Samantha Lacefield, & Tia Neal

August 2, 2024 — Futurepreneurs

Featuring Stacy Dohogne Lane, Kevin Johansen, Wendy Moore, Tim Goree, Alan Spell, & Luke Dietterle

August 30, 2024 — Youth Entrepreneurship

Featuring Kara Siebe, Jason Adams, Brian Keller, Jessie Jones, Mark Cowsert, Aaron Banks, Kim Barnes, & Sarah Wisdom

September 6, 2024 — Rural Technology Ecosystems

Featuring William SaintAmour, Mark Wallace, Robert Graham, & Emily Hemingway