Guest columnist Rusty Worley: "The second annual Women’s Day Downtown spotlighted more than 70 women-owned businesses and organizations on April 13. It celebrated how women entrepreneurs make downtown a better place through their creativity, intellect and empathy.  "

Guest columnist Angela McLaughlin: "Your networks matter. Active participation in networking groups offers countless opportunities for professional advancement and growth. As you utilize the collective wisdom and resources within your networking groups, you will discover new pathways to success and prosperity in your professional journey."

Guest columnist Stephanie Staggs: "Regardless of the industry, all business owners I interviewed in this story agree that clients’ trust is essential."

Small-business owners juggle a lot of responsibilities, and a study by national payroll and human resources firm ADP found over half of them choose to handle HR matters in-house – with 80% of professionals tasked with the work having no experience or training.

Led by a team of gardening experts, Harvest Grow Supply offers know-how alongside more than a thousand products.

The owners of a Springfield catering business launched a new venture; indoor golfing venue franchise X-Golf Springfield swung into the Queen City; and CoxHealth Branson Hills opened.

McConnell Edwards markets hard-won expertise at answering tough questions.

Architecture firm earns nod among five finalists.

SBJ interviews the co-owner of El Cafecito and El Escondite.

The architecture firm gets the nod among five finalists.

The commission approves 31 awards for small businesses.

After discovering a niche for vintage typewriters, Laura Prather quickly grew a home-based typewriter sale and service business.

Evergreen Hair House opened; the Ozark Chamber of Commerce moved to a new home; and Dirk’s Tavern LLC got its start on C-Street.

Innovate SOMO Funds targets southern Missouri counties.

As federal government touts potential economic benefits, U.S. Chamber of Commerce vows to file suit.

Innovate SOMO Funds aims to invest in startups and has support from the likes of the Efactory and the Hatch Foundation in Springfield.

Newsmakers in the areas of accounting, chambers of commerce, health care, marketing and nonprofit.

Inviktus Salon owner nears completion of national small-biz program.

Newsmakers in the areas of athletics, banking & finance, chambers of commerce, health care, information technology, marketing, nonprofit and transportation.

Artist Tiffany Collins moved her Nixa art gallery, Lucid TLC Arts LLC, to a new location; a crystal jewelry maker who started on Etsy expanded with a storefront; and Fleur Floral Studio LLC transitioned to a home-based venture.