Every now and then it’s good to get another perspective.
What are we doing well? What could we be doing better? Are we positioning ourselves to be as competitive as possible for the future?
In today’s complex world of governmental regulations, fiscal benchmarks and escalating technology, the ability to effectively keep all those plates spinning is daunting.
There are many resources in Springfield’s center city to help small businesses fill their knowledge gaps and stay current on the latest issues. The colleges offer access to expertise, myriad databases and demographics and impressive new facilities for classes.
MSU eFactoryMissouri State University led the entrepreneurial charge for many years with the Jordan Valley Innovation Center and the vision for the IDEA Commons urban research park. However, because of the sensitive nature of the work in JVIC, its access is strictly controlled. The purchase of the adjacent Willow Brook Food facilities and the subsequent renovation have created a one-stop shop for new small businesses by providing resources and guidance and assisting with startup facilities.
Known as the Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise and Business Development, the facility contains services such as The eFactory business incubator with 20,000 square feet of leasable office space for startups; the Small Business and Technology Development Center, with one-on-one consulting that is individualized and customized for each business; the Management Development Institute, offering a variety of training and certification programs; Springfield Angel Network, providing access to investment capital; the Procurement Technical Assistance Center, assisting in obtaining government contracts; Missouri Enterprise, delivering hands-on technical and manufacturing optimization; and Score, offering advice from retired businesspeople.
These services, located in a vibrant downtown setting, bring together a rich blend of disciplines every day at coffee counters, sidewalk cafes and pocket parks. And Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon agrees, having presented The eFactory with the Community Development and Redevelopment Award during the Governor’s Conference on Economic Development Sept. 6 in Kansas City.
Drury on C-StreetThe Drury University Edward Jones Center for Entrepreneurship coordinates the C-Street Business Resource Center. Students consult with Commercial Street businesses and organizations on areas such as social media and accounting. In the heart of the historic district, the storefront also houses an art gallery, fiber arts studio and classes for art and architecture.
Drury’s investment on C-Street not only provides a hub for services and the arts, it sent an important signal to the Springfield community that the university was invested in the revitalization of the district. It will be an important resource for C-Street’s emerging artisan foods businesses that are rapidly gravitating to the area, the latest being Sisters in Thyme, That Lebanese Place, Cafe Cusco and White River Brewery.
Merchant associationsBeyond the classes and consulting, business owners can learn a lot from one another. Merchant organizations such as the Downtown Springfield Association, Commercial Club, Historic Walnut Street Association, Hospitality Resource Panel and the nationally acclaimed Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce offer networking opportunities, a voice in shaping new ordinances and in planning for the future, and professional development through community engagement.
Most importantly, businesses that are more connected can take pride in what they are able to accomplish together with their neighbors.
Escape the day-to-day stress of managing your business. Take a class to strengthen your skills. Seek out the sage counsel of a veteran in your field. Volunteer for a committee with your merchant group.
New perspectives can pay substantial dividends.
Rusty Worley, executive director of Urban Districts Alliance, can be reached at rusty@itsalldowntown.com.
