Show-Me Network Week, scheduled for May 4–8, will feature events and workshops across Missouri aimed at highlighting the state’s entrepreneurial activity. The initiative was announced on Apr. 27 and is set to bring together small business owners and support organizations through both in-person and virtual programming.
The week-long series coincides with National Small Business Week and follows recent Route 66 Centennial celebrations in Springfield. Organizers say the goal is to strengthen Missouri’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by offering educational sessions, networking opportunities, and resources for startups and small businesses.
Events are planned in multiple communities including Arnold, Cape Girardeau, Hannibal, Joplin, Maryville, Monroe City, Perryville, Springfield, St. Joseph, and West Plains. Virtual sessions will also be available throughout the week to provide broader access for entrepreneurs statewide.
Highlights include a kickoff event in Springfield on May 4; workshops such as “AI for Main Street” in Arnold; small business forums in St. Joseph; trade shows in Perryville; financial literacy seminars in Hannibal; as well as free coworking opportunities at various locations on May 8.
Show-Me Network Week is organized by codefi and Missouri State University’s efactory with support from regional partners. Funding comes from the Missouri Technology Corporation’s Regional Node grant program along with federal grants administered by the Missouri Department of Economic Development under the State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance Grant program.
According to organizers, these efforts aim to expand technical assistance for startups and connect them with funding sources such as IDEA Funds managed by the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) and IgniteMO managed by Justine PETERSEN.
