Entrepreneurial ecosystems

Exceed—Regional Economic and Entrepreneurial Development

Building entrepreneurial ecosystems in Missouri

In an entrepreneurial ecosystem, community organizations, institutions (e.g., governments), and infrastructure support local entrepreneurship. The ecosystem shapes a community's level of ambition, innovation, and risk-taking acceptance, and it fosters entrepreneurship. Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem requires a community to think about the environment in which businesses operate, not about a specific business.

Missouri Small Business Insights Series – Cheetah Businesses
- The Small Business Insight Series – Cheetah Businesses explores fast growing companies during the past business cycle. It includes insights into emerging industry trends such as how industries are adapting to survive and thrive and which small businesses may be poised for growth in the years to come.
- The Missouri Small Business Development Centers funded this research so business counselors, their customers, and community leaders can benefit from timely information to help businesses and the economy rebound.
- High-Growth Stage Two Missouri Businesses (PDF)
- Metro and Nonmetro High-Growth Business Trends (PDF)
- Growth in Flexible Labor Firms (PDF)
Homegrown: Entrepreneurship in Your Community
- Partner with MU Extension to host a Homegrown: Entrepreneurship in Your Community workshop, and you can participate in building and strengthening your community's entrepreneurial network. The workshop — scheduled as a daylong program or two shorter sessions — aids community leaders in creating a network that sends supportive signals to its entrepreneurs. By strengthening your area's entrepreneurial network, you can encourage local economic growth and development.
- In partnership with University of Wisconsin Extension with funding from NCRCRD.
- More information (PDF)
Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities
- Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities aims to create, connect, and promote community economic revitalization through entrepreneurship as a driver for economic growth across communities in Missouri where entrepreneurs and innovators flourish and are celebrated. The event highlights best practices for fostering a culture of entrepreneurship. Breakout sessions are held in local businesses and venues, giving participants a unique way to learn and experience host communities.
- Warsaw, MO, Sept. 20-21, 2023
- Conference Website
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