Made in the Ozarks

The past year has shown us the power and promise that lies with innovation. Savvy entrepreneurs who create to fill a market need or desire are rewarded. In Missouri, the U.S. Small Business Administration finds nearly half of the workforce is employed by a small business. And in 2019, the latest data available, companies that employed fewer than 20, created 12,600 net jobs.

This package features five small-business owners who make their goods in the Ozarks. In this rocky economy, they not only found a way to keep their businesses afloat, but they grew. They produce jewelry, vegan burgers and crumbles, bath bombs and soaps, home decor and dog tags. And they’re fueled by passion.