Recent issues
Vol. 6, Issue 11: Online Microbusiness Trends – September 15, 2025 (PDF)
Missouri had nearly 275,000 online microbusinesses in early 2025, or 5.7 microbusinesses for every 100 adult Missourians. Although online microbusinesses are small, with 65% run by sole entrepreneurs, nearly half aim to expand their business with physical locations and employees. Statewide, microbusiness density rose 5% over the past five years, with the fastest gains occurring in farm-dependent (up 13%) and manufacturing-dependent nonmetro counties (up 7%).
Missouri Economy Indicators, Vol. 6, Issue 10: Neurodivergence in the Workforce – August 18, 2025 (PDF)
Missouri’s underutilization of neurodivergent talent represents both a workforce challenge and a missed economic opportunity. Across Missouri, many neurodivergent individuals (those with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and other cognitive differences) remain underemployed, despite possessing valuable traits like hyperfocus, creative problem-solving, pattern recognition and resilience that are in high demand across industries. To build a future-ready workforce, Missouri must intentionally include neurodivergent talent to boost innovation, close skill gaps and strengthen the state’s economy.
Missouri Economy Indicators, Vol. 6, Issue 9: Agribusiness Workforce Needs – July 21, 2025 (PDF)
In a recent analysis of agribusinesses across eight Midwest states, 75% of businesses identified a shortage of skilled workers as the primary barrier to expanding employment. Around half of agribusiness employers indicated that applicants with problem-solving and communication skills were hard to find. Roughly one in 20 private-sector workers (5%) are employed in agribusiness. In Missouri, agribusiness employment is notably higher in nonmetro counties (12%) than in metro counties (4%).