Child care shortages and costs in west central Missouri are holding families, businesses, and communities back—but local leaders are taking action. With research in hand and statewide support, a regional team is working on innovative solutions to expand access to quality, affordable child care.

We’re proud to announce the selection of two exceptional early childhood education champions for the 2025–2026 cohort representing our region—Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties: Amber Hansen and Charlotte Smithson.

When Miranda and her husband launched WEMO Wagyu, they had the cattle and the vision—but needed support to grow the business side. Now, their story is helping shine a national spotlight on the New Growth Women’s Business Center and its impact in rural Missouri.

New Growth is proud to announce a special stop on a national media tour, happening August 12 at noon in El Dorado Springs, Missouri!

Struggling to keep up with social media or online marketing for your rural business or nonprofit? The New Growth Learning Hub offers bite-sized trainings, live support, and a welcoming online community to help you build confidence and get results—on your schedule.

Attending the Farm to Fork Summit was a turning point for beginning elderberry farmer Julianne Hemphill. Through connections made there, she found the support, resources, and inspiration to start building Twilight Grove—her family’s future farm and rural business.

Rebecca Price turned her passion for dogs into Dalmatia BnB—a thriving rural business with a big heart and a bigger mission. With support from New Growth, her work now reaches far beyond boarding and training to strengthen her entire community.

Jane’s shop looked like a success—steady sales, happy customers, and a growing reputation. But when a big opportunity came along, the quiet lack of financial preparedness and early guidance didn’t seem to hold her back—only she had no idea that it did.

Starting a business is no small feat, especially when you're navigating it all on your own. For Samantha Richter, the New Growth Women’s Business Center provided the support and guidance she needed to find her footing and build Preventive Foot Care, LLC from the ground up.

For Melissa Ginther of Ruthie Mae Blooms, finding New Growth meant finding the connections, resources, and community support she needed to turn challenges into opportunities that cultivate long-term success.