Business development : article
Just as the reference to the 1890s editorial in The (New York) Sun indicates, there is funding in the capital world for many businesses if they cannot get it from traditional local or institutional banks.
ELDON, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers start Saturday, March 10, at the Eldon Career Center. University of Missouri Extension agricultural business specialist Patricia Barrett says the practical seminars and field days give attendees opportunities to learn and network.
KIRKSVILLE, Mo. – “Grow Your Farm” sessions for beginning farmers begin March 14 at the University of Missouri Extension Center in Adair County, Kirksville.
Ten Missouri small businesses from diverse industries are participating in the 2022 Elevate program to advance beyond the second stage.
These suggestions are provided to assist you, but in sharing them, we recognize that each business and situation is unique. We encourage you to consider each principle and apply as you believe best fits your business situation and your relationship with your employees.
1. Communicate…
After leaving successful careers with the Illinois Department of Transportation in 1994, Abe and Nicole Adewale found themselves in St. Louis. With their shared values of trust, family, diversity, passion, and leadership, they decided to start their own construction and engineering firm.
FULTON, Mo. – Cody Waters of Fulton is armed to farm. He is one of 300,000 veterans expected to return to Missouri in the next decade, according to University of Missouri Extension state health and safety specialist Karen Funkenbusch.
Aspen Spas, which has built custom hot tubs and specialized spas for a quarter century, entered the Trade Adju
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Food, health, energy and the environment are among the most vital concerns when it comes to human survival and quality of life.
A chance encounter in 2009 with a Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) presentation inspired Lois Rodriguez to start her own business. In 2006, her family planted a tree farm, their main market being street tree development in Kansas City.
MO PTAC staff continually warn clients of companies that engage in deceptive marketing practices by disguising themselves to look
“Our first quarter sales this year almost exceeded our total sales of last year because of a paradigm shift in how we do business,” said Paul Janicek, owner of DocuLock in St. Joseph, Missouri. Janicek attributes that shift to the open-heart surgery he went through in 2020.
What are bonds and when are they required?
According to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), a bond is a written document between a bidder or contractor (the principal) and a second party (the surety) to ensure fulfillment of the principal’s obligations to a third party (the obligee or…
Branson Airport partnered with local experts to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, benefiting from various support programs to enhance travel recovery.
As a physician assistant in a hospital emergency room, Elochukwu “Elo” Osoego noted that most of the patients seen there — 80% to 85%, he said — did not need to be in the ER. Often, they needed services not available at urgent care and didn’t have time to wait until they could get an appointment…
The challenge
Bruin Manufacturing, an Iowa manufacturer, is a reliable and innovative leader in the plastics injection molding business. Brui
Missouri manufacturers and researchers collaborate through roundtables to enhance innovation, resilience, and growth in the state's manufacturing sector.
COLUMBIA, Mo. —Teacher Teri Walden and physician Becky Llorens met a couple of years ago and bonded over a common concern. Each has an autistic young adult son seeking work.
MISSOURI – On Jan. 27, 2021, the University of Missouri Extension Business Development Program (BDP) recognized members for their performance and accomplishments during the organization’s first virtual professional development conference. The annual celebration awards individuals and teams for…
Developing a business plan is hard work and at times a daunting task for business owners. However, business planning can help move any company or small business forward. "Why write a business plan?" you may ask. There are many reasons why writing a business plan is essential to any owner.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri businesses struggle to recruit and retain employees with the technology know-how that companies need.
Urban planner and author Jeff Siegler will talk about “Civic Apathy and Civic Pride” at the 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Excelsior Springs, Mo. Siegler, whose work focuses on restoring civic pride and reversing community disengagement, will deliver the…
University of Missouri Extension invites economic developers, chamber of commerce directors, nonprofit professionals and community leaders from across the state to attend the 2025 Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2, in downtown Excelsior Springs.
Coupons are the most common sales promotional tool used by businesses. Their usage continues to grow each year, as they provide a way for the consumer to save money while offering the retailer a way to grow and retain sales. The coupon has consistently proven to be an effective business tool.
After two years of planning, in April 2006, Erica Skouby said goodbye to her corporate job and started her own quilt shop. In June 2006 Nine Patch Quilt & Fabrics opened to the public, carrying cotton fabric, books, patterns, and handmaid gifts.
Joe and Judy Roetheli, recogniz
Discover how entrepreneurship can revitalize communities, foster economic growth, and create vibrant ecosystems for small towns.
Custom Powder Systems (CPS) designs, builds and automates the equipment used to dispense, size, mill and blend the powders used in the pharmaceutical, food and chemical industries.
When considering target markets for their products and services, many business owners often overlook one with vast potential — local, state and federal governments.
HANNIBAL, Mo. – In her 20s, Linda Studer had a dream of opening a business in historic Hannibal.
DTE, Inc. provides custom automation and tooling for a wide variety of industries — automotive and agricultural, medical and pharmaceutical and consumer products that span life.
Elderberry farms expand production and reach new markets with support from a trade assistance program helping small businesses grow.
The Missouri Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) recently brought a new international export business planning platform to small businesses across the state.
Earlier in this series we looked at some of the benefits and basics of exporting. In this article, we will review an important first step, how to determine if there are no export control restrictions on your product or service.
The challenge
Express Scale Parts, Inc., a scale and bagging equipment manufacturer, has been receiving assistance from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) since 2010.
When a family-run small business loses its leader and, shortly afterward, loses its largest client, it can send the company into a tailspin.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – As summer arrives in the Show-Me State, farm business operators often experience periods of fluctuating labor needs. Seasonal workers, including young people, can offer extra capacity during critical times.
EDINA, Mo.– Like any other business, a farm is more likely to succeed with a written business plan.
“A business plan can serve as a road map for your business,” says Karisha Devlin, a University of Missouri Extension agriculture business specialist in Knox County.
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension offers a one-day workshop for those thinking about selling produce and other goods at farmers markets.
The Feb. 3 workshop covers food safety, sampling, funding, customer service and opportunities for discussion with other vendors, said MU…
Farmers and ranchers discuss their success with e-commerce, sharing insights on platforms and strategies to expand their businesses in the digital marketplace.
Seize the opportunity to develop real-time human resource (HR) tools in order to get better results and gain a distinct competitive edge.
After serving in the army for 27 years, Wes Hester wasn’t ready to stop serving his community upon retirement. In 2007, Hester decided to start his own IT Technology engineering firm, Foxhole Technology.
Some people are born entrepreneurs. Beth Snyder is among them.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Fruit and vegetable growers can learn about produce safety and Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification at workshops in early 2018.
GAP certification training will be held Jan. 18 and Feb. 16 in Olathe, Kan., and Jan. 26 in St. Peters, Mo.
Good News Brewing in Defiance, MO, has thrived during the pandemic, seizing growth opportunities with the help of local business support
BROOKFIELD, Mo. – Her portion of the work is a little piece of a big project, but construction business owner Lois Rodriguez is making the most of it. As president and CEO of Better By Design LLC, Rodriguez is doing her part to make the long-awaited East Locust Creek Reservoir a reality.
Are there rules to follow in doing business with the government?
The government spends billions of dollars each year purchasing products and services, some
HILLSBORO, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension will hold a Specialty Crop Block Grant workshop 6-9 pm. Monday, Jan. 29, in Hillsboro.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites anyone interested in learning to farm to attend an eight-session program, Grow Your Farm, offered by MU Extension in Jackson County.
Rhonda Hill, owner of H&H Bridge, had never had an interest in construction. However, when her son, Harley, bought a drilling company right out of high school, her support brought them both right in the middle of opportunities for a new career.
The challenge
Hastings Irrigation Pipe Co.
Discover professional language services in St. Louis, offering translation and interpretation solutions to improve communication in diverse communities.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri ranks below the national average in many key measures related to health and access to health care, especially in rural parts of the state.
St. Charles IT helped local businesses adapt to remote work, ensuring seamless connectivity and supporting business continuity during challenging times.
Powder Monkey Fireworks in Weldon Spring, MO, offers a vast selection of affordable fireworks to help you celebrate safely and memorably.
JOPLIN, Mo. – Starting a business can be challenging even during a robust economy, yet opportunities still exist in today’s tough economic climate.
While living in West Plains, Missouri in 2012, Mike Hibler noticed a need for a restaurant where he could enjoy good food and watch a sports game. On his way to work every day, he noticed an abandoned building that looked like a log cabin.
As I spend time with friends, I often hear them say, "There is no unique place to go shop these days. They all have the same stuff." To which I reply: "Why do you shop where you do?" This at times leads to an interesting dinner conversation.
The HY-C Company has faced numerous threats and challenges in its nearly 70-year history. But this one was different.
Innovet Electric offers electrical, telecom, and construction services, focusing on veteran hiring, government contracts and fostering strong community ties.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – When Chris Henry wanted to grow his lawn care business, RC Landscape Services, to pursue government jobs in the Kansas City area, he turned to the Missouri APEX Accelerator, a program of University of Missouri Extension.
The challenge
KC Tent & Awning Company, a tent and awning manufacturer in Kansas City, Mo., began receiving assistance from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC) in May 2011 to grow the capacity o
"It absolutely has helped keep us going as a business." That's what Carla Lee, Prock Operations corporate counsel, said about the Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) support and the coronavirus relief the company received through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) earlier…
In early 2019, the oldest chain manufacturer in the United States found itself under new leadership. Jim Riley purchased Laclede Chain Manufacturing Company from his father, ready to lead the family business into a new decade of growth.
The economic shock from the coronavirus is something we have not experienced in recent memory. The sudden stoppage of the economy makes it difficult to remember that until March one of the primary concerns for many business owners was finding a workforce to meet their needs.
Are trees that have been felled by nature or landowners destined to rot — either where they lie or in a landfill? Joshua Clarkweiss says no. Clarkweiss, owner of Full Circle Forest Products, a sustainability-focused sawmill in Rutledge, Missouri, turns those trees into custom construction lumber…
Lone Star Physiques in Kirksville, MO, is a personal fitness business highlighting client success stories and rural entrepreneurship.
The challenge
Major Custom Cable Inc., one of the largest manufacturers of data and communication cables in the U.S
The challenge
McCormick Armstrong Co.
Jeff Fischer, vice president of Mercury Communications & Construction Inc., Fenton, a wireless services provider and general contractor, and recipient of a $150,000 grant to improve training, marketing and advertising through the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (TAAC), a…
The challenge
Mercury Communications, Inc., a cellular tower manufacturer in Fenton, Mo., has been receiving assistance from the Mid-America Trade Adjustment Assistance Center
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri AfterSchool Network (MASN) announces the selection of seven afterschool programs to receive micro-grants for youth entrepreneurship programs during the 2020-2021 school year.
Show Me Food connects Missouri consumers with local food producers, offering fresh, locally grown options statewide
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Nearly empty meat aisles are a burden producers, processors and consumers don’t want to face again. To prevent that, the Missouri Department of Agriculture (MDA) awarded $16.7 million to keep 150 meat and poultry processors throughout Missouri going strong.
This spring, five Missouri small businesses began the journey to grow beyond the second stage.
Through the Missouri Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC’s) Elevate program, these five business owners, at no cost to them, are gaining knowledge from various experts that most small-business…
Over the past two years, a group of 22 second-stage Missouri small businesses increased sales by $10.7 million, made capital investments of $8.2 million, and added 74 jobs.
Missouri SBDC receives grant to support businesses in underserved communities with resources for growth and development.
MISSOURI – The Missouri SBDC (Small Business Development Centers) was awarded $125,000 for specialized training, business counseling, and technical assistance for research and development (R&D)-focused small businesses under the Federal and State Technology (FAST) Partnership Program.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Many of the world’s finest wines and whiskeys begin in Missouri’s hardwood forests.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension invites dynamic speakers and facilitators to share their expertise at this year’s Connecting Entrepreneurial Communities (CEC) Conference, Sept. 30-Oct. 2 in Excelsior Springs.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension recently released its 2017 Farm Labor Guide.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A recently completed assessment of University of Missouri Extension found that with an annual investment of $86 million (2016), MU Extension generated dividends totaling nearly $950 million.
Get expert advice on managing the financial impact of COVID-19, including budgeting, debt relief, and financial planning strategies.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $179,614 grant to the University of Missouri to support efforts to help veterans, Latinos, women and socially disadvantaged persons to farm or go into agribusiness.
Nanova Inc., founded by MU engineering faculty, secured $7M in funding and built a 6,000-sq-ft manufacturing facility in Columbia, Missouri.
On Dec. 31, 2017, the Department of Defense (DoD) established new cybersecurity regulations for contractors. Contractors must meet these new standards, or risk losing DoD contracts.
In general, contractors must assess their information systems, develop a security plan and create an action plan to…
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The University of Missouri’s new Food Processing and Safety Lab helps people who make and sell processed foods ensure they are safe.
COLUMBIA, Mo.—Social media has changed how consumers connect with brands, but small business owners may find it a challenge to use social media to grow their business, says TaylorAnn Washburn of University of Missouri Extension.
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension is one of 14 partners to organize the new Heartland Regional Food Business Center serving Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma and northwestern Arkansas.