efactory | Business Support & Talent Development

This is where business, talent, and innovation come together under one roof. We support founders, businesses, and students through every stage of growth — from launching a business to developing leadership skills, exploring careers, and finding the right workspace to succeed. Here you’ll find: • Business support and mentorship • Training to build skills and grow your company • Real-world learning opportunities for students • Talent and employer partnerships • Private office space and coworking options • Programs that connect high school, college, and community members to meaningful experiences Whether you’re building a startup, growing a team, looking for a place to work, or exploring new opportunities, this is the place to make it happen.

Your people are your biggest asset. Unlike anything else in your business, they grow in value when you invest in them. That’s what professional development looks like at efactory 💛

Big ideas need the right environment to grow. At efactory, entrepreneurs find the support to launch and scale, students gain real-world experience, and professionals unlock new opportunities. Through mentorship, training, and powerful community connections, we help people turn potential into progress. @msu_studentemp If you're ready to take the next step - we’re ready to help. 🚀 Let’s build what’s next.

Huge congratulations to Melisa Hamilton for officially wrapping up her year and graduating with @leadsgf Signature Class 49! And because good things come in pairs, we just got the amazing news that Katie Young (who leads our @msu_studentemp office) has been selected for Signature Class 51. Congratulations to you both!

Every entrepreneur trying to promote their business on social media at some point 😂 Keep it up – we’re ready to support you throughout it all.

What happens when you give entrepreneurs the tools, connections and confidence to move forward? Over the last 2.5 years, Early-Stage Business Boot Camps helped more than 330 entrepreneurs across southern Missouri turn ideas into action, creating space for new ideas to grow into real businesses, partnerships and next steps. Through 34 cohorts hosted in more than 20 communities, entrepreneurs came together to ask questions, work through challenges, learn from experienced business leaders and gain a clearer understanding of what it takes to move forward. For some, that meant launching a business. For others, it meant finding direction, building confidence or forming relationships that continue to support them today. That’s the real impact of programs like this. It’s not only about business education — it’s about helping people see a path forward and reminding them they don’t have to build alone. From guest speakers and training partners to local communities that opened their doors and entrepreneurs who showed up ready to learn, this work was powered by collaboration every step of the way. As this chapter of programming comes to a close, the momentum continues through the Show-Me Network and the partnerships built along the way.

Building something of your own means wearing every hat - CEO, marketer, accountant, customer support, all in one day 😅 Every founder starts somewhere.

Looking for a place to work tomorrow? 👀 Free Coworking Friday is happening May 8...but not just here at efactory! Nope, we’ve got friends statewide fliging open their doors to let you see what the buzz is all about. In honor of Show-Me Network Week, step out of your usual routine and try coworking. It’s a chance to get work done, connect with others, and experience a space built for collaboration. @codeficonnects @cowork_collective @ozsbimo @stjosephchamber Not in Springfield? Try out coworking in: • Cape Girardeau – codefi • Joplin – Joseph Newman Innovation Center • Monett – Cowork Collective • St. Joseph – The Launch Pad • West Plains – OzSBI

Big news from the Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce Small Business Luncheon: Mayor Jeff Schrag has officially proclaimed this week as Show-Me Network Week! This recognition means so much because it highlights the work of our partners across Missouri who are strengthening entrepreneurship and expanding access to resources for small businesses statewide.

Meet our newest mentor, Jim Carr 👋 Jim is an innovator, serial entrepreneur, and IP strategist with 6 patents and 13+ years of experience building and scaling technology ventures across manufacturing, public safety, and AI. As the founder of Mayhem Development, he helps turn complex ideas into practical, high-impact solutions. He supports founders with: • AI and hardware-enabled product development • Intellectual property strategy and patent portfolios • Moving from idea to scalable, market-ready business If you're working on something complex, Jim brings the experience to help you move it forward.

So proud of our interns for all of their hard work this semester 👏 A huge thank you to @efactorysgf and the @msu_studentemp for making this opportunity possible and for supporting the next generation of professionals. We’re grateful to be a part of their journey!

Loving the energy and all the connections at yesterday’s Kickoff! Thank you all for joining us and don’t miss all the amazing events statewide for Show-Me Network Week. ✨