City hosting workshop to aid entrepreneurs with resources

A city-hosted workshop to aid entrepreneurs is back later this month for a second edition at the Efactory.

The SGF Business Lab, set for Oct. 15 at the Efactory’s Jay Wasson Idea Loft, was created to help small-business owners and entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses locally and offer a one-stop shop for resources, according to a news release. The inaugural event was held in December 2024.

The half-day workshop-style event, presented by Springfield’s Department of Workforce and Economic Vitality, is designed to help entrepreneurs turn their ideas into reality by providing practical guidance on how to do business with the city and tap into local resources. SGF Business Lab also can help business owners expand their operation.

“This event serves as a launchpad for those wanting to start a business, while helping existing businesses grow and thrive in our community,” Amanda Ohlensehlen, director of Workforce and Economic Vitality, said in the release.

SGF Business Lab will guide participants through the process of site selection, permitting, legal basics and loan programs offered by the city. The event will also cover available resources from Missouri Small Business Development Center at Missouri State University on writing a business plan, funding options and legal basics, according to the release. A panel discussion and breakout sessions also are part of the event, which runs 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is free of charge. Lunch will be provided, but online registration is required by Oct. 10, officials say.

Katherine Proctor, spokesperson for the Missouri Job Center, said last year’s event also was held at the Efactory and drew around 50 participants. The second annual event is being moved to larger space within the building to accommodate a bigger audience, she said.

“We moved it up in the year a bit since there are so many other things going on around the holidays,” she said.

In addition to the event, the city offers a step-by-step guide on its website to help entrepreneurs launch their business, including resources such as tax requirements, obtaining a business license and securing permits and registrations.