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Exceed — Regional Economic and Entrepreneurial Development

Entrepreneurial ecosystems

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.

Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities unit signature/logo Visit Maryville, Missouri and Downtown Maryville Missouri logos

 

The Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference continues MU Extension’s statewide effort to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems and build local economic resilience. Designed for community leaders, economic developers, business support organizations, educators, and civic partners, the conference provides a collaborative learning environment focused on practical tools, shared systems, and strategies that help communities thrive together. The 2026 CEC Conference invites you to experience the power of rural innovation in action.

Maryville, MO, Sept. 15-17, 2026

Conference website

Stylized cheetah above the Missouri SBDC and University of Missouri Extension logos.

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 Stage Two Missouri Business Trends (PDF)

Growth in Flexible Labor Firms (PDF)