START HERE Business Acceleration Network
START HERE – GROW HERE – STAY HERE
The START HERE Business Acceleration Network is a team of resource partners working together to ensure rural small business success.
Based in west central Missouri, START HERE works regionally and statewide to advance entrepreneurship as a rural economic development strategy. Our mission is to build robust entrepreneurial ecosystems by developing and connecting resources.
START HERE partners work every day with rural communities and entrepreneurs. We provide business planning, training and technical assistance, credit building, micro-enterprise financing, and more!
Contact START HERE partners below, or convenor New Growth to get started.
START HERE Partners
Community development corporation New Growth is home to the START HERE Revolving Loan Fund and works with all partners to build and promote the rural entrepreneurial ecosystem. Stay tuned to News & Events for the latest!
Small Business Development Centers in the region provide no-cost business counseling along with a large and ongoing menu of courses and classes. Two centers serve west central Missouri. Connect with MOSBDC at State Fair Community College here. Connect with MOSBDC at Missouri Southern State University here.
Kaysinger Basin Regional Planning Commission serves cities and counties in the region working to build up their people and places. Its regional team of economic developers works directly with local businesses to explore needs and pursue opportunities. Connect with Kaysinger’s team.
University of Missouri Extension offices through the region host small business counselors and others who can help with market research and other entrepreneur needs. Learn more about offerings and connect with area resources here.
MOSourceLink is a statewide online entrepreneurship resource center with business counselors and directories to help businesses find what they need when they need it.
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency offers a range of programs, from affordable housing to energy conservation, to help individuals and families thrive. West Central also works with affiliated community development corporation New Growth to build community and economic health, including credit building assistance and workforce supports.
Osage Valley Electric Cooperative provides rural community and economic development services to its west central Missouri region along with electricity. It works alongside START HERE partners to pull regional business development resources together.
Partner Opportunities
The START HERE Business Acceleration Network works with people and organizations across the region, such as chambers of commerce and economic development agencies. Join us!