SBTDC helps generate, retain small-business jobs

There are 65 new small-business jobs in the Ozarks through the efforts of Missouri State University’s Small Business & Technology Development Center.

According to economic impact data for the first six months of its fiscal year, which began Sept. 1, the SBTDC also helped retain 290 existing jobs in its 16-county service area in southwest Missouri.

The center, housed in MSU’s Robert W. Plaster Center for Free Enterprise & Business Development, also provided loan packaging assistance resulting in more than $7.7 million in approved loans and equity investments, as well as assisting with sales increases of more than $12 million among small businesses, according to a news release.

Designed to deliver up-to-date consultation, training and technical assistance in all aspects of small-business management, the SBTDC hosted 20 educational training seminars between its Springfield center and West Plains satellite office to nearly 180 attendees during the time.

Part of The eFactory, which includes over 20,000 square feet of business incubator space, assistance is available to owners interested in improving or expanding a small business and to prospective business owners, according to the release.

During Small Business Week, May 4-8, the center hosted numerous seminars and trainings, such as QuickBooks for your Business, An Inside Look at Mobile Marketing and Building the Ultimate Business Plan.

The week culminates today in the second-annual Spin66 event for entrepreneurs. Last year, nearly 200 professionals attended the summit, organized by Mercy Research and Development, The eFactory and Create Springfield to mobilize and connect area business experts with entrepreneurs at various stages of business.