Efactory, Codefi to expand workforce initiative statewide

The Efactory and Codefi are expanding a regional workforce network to the entire state of Missouri, and they have myriad partners on board for the launch.

Called the Show-Me Network, the new initiative builds on the Southern Missouri Innovation Network, aka Innovate SOMO, according to a news release. The Efactory, Missouri State University's downtown business incubator, and Codefi, which has offices in Springfield and Cape Girardeau, launched Innovate SOMO programming in 2022, with the goal of accelerating innovation, workforce and economic development work in 47 southern Missouri counties, according to past reporting. 

The Show-Me Network is designed to offer resources statewide through the use of community and regional connectors, including the Missouri Rural Enterprise and Innovation Center, the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, Ozarks Small Business Incubator, the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Missouri Association of Manufacturers. Additionally, multiple training partners are on board, including MSU, Crowder College, The Great Game of Business and the University of Missouri Extension in Jasper and Reynolds counties.

"Expanding into the Show-Me Network is a game-changer for Missouri's entrepreneurial ecosystem," said Rachel Munday, executive director of the Efactory, in the release. "We're not just growing our footprint; we're leaning on incredible community connectors to localize our programming, helping us reach and activate more innovators across the state. By building these new bridges and strengthening our partnerships, we can provide direct pathways to the resources and capital every founder needs to succeed, no matter their location."

The release cites funding from the Missouri Department of Economic Development's Missouri Technical Assistance grant program.