Columbia REDI

03/31/2026

We are very excited that the Phase One Application for the 2026 Small Business Grant, funded by the City of Columbia Government and administered by Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) opens this Friday, April 3rd.
The Small Business Grant is specifically designed to support both startups and established locally-owned businesses that meet the eligibility criteria. Whether you are looking to expand, innovate, or improve operational efficiency, our goal is to help strengthen your business’s long-term sustainability and community impact.
While attending a pre-application informational meeting was not a requirement, all applicants must meet the established eligibility criteria to move forward. Visit www.columbiaredi.com for complete guidelines.
The selection process will be conducted in three distinct phases:
Phase One: Eligibility Determination
Phase Two: Application Evaluation
Phase Three: In-person Interviews
Grant Awards
A total of eight grants will be awarded:
Six (6) grants of $5,000
Two (2) grants of $10,000
Phase One of the application officially opens this Friday, April 3, 2026, at 9:00 AM. The application will be available on our website: www.columbiaredi.com
We appreciate your commitment to the Columbia business community and wish you the best of luck with your application.

03/19/2026

What an amazing REDI entrepreneur roundtable this morning! Our facilitator was Sophia Rivera Hassemer, Director of operations for the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the Robert J. Trulaske College of Business at The University. She imparted practical AI tools that solopreneurs and small businesses could use to streamline their operations and marketing. So much learning occurred. We were so engaged, we did not take many photos.
I guess we could have AI generated a few 😉
We will have another client roundtable on this topic, March 31st.

03/12/2026

We are excited to share a new community resource for local goods and services. Small businesses are the backbone of every thriving community, bringing jobs and upward economic mobility to where we live and work. Explore our new REDI Entrepreneurial Client Directory and discover the newest local small businesses making an impact right here in Columbia and Boone County. Support local and help them grow! https://columbiaredi.com/directory/

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Businesses Archive - Regional Economic Development Inc.

03/09/2026

We are excited to launch the fifth year of grants funded by the City of Columbia, Mo. Government and administered by REDI, supporting entrepreneurs in Columbia.

This opportunity will support start-up and existing small businesses in Boone County that are looking to expand operations, innovate, or improve efficiency. The program also prioritizes business owners living in economically disadvantaged areas of Columbia, helping strengthen long-term economic sustainability and community impact.

Eight local businesses will receive funding:
• 2 grants of $10,000
• 6 grants of $5,000

To help interested applicants learn more, two pre-application informational sessions will be offered:

📍 In-person session
March 16, 2026 | 2:30–4:30 p.m.
REDI Training Room
500 E. Walnut St., Suite 103

💻 Virtual session
March 19, 2026 | 5:30–7:00 p.m.

📝 Register for an informational session:
https://lnkd.in/gNHJYWVg

🗓 Grant applications open April 3, 2026.

Small businesses interested in applying can also review full eligibility requirements and the program timeline here:
https://lnkd.in/g3XDweGD

Supporting local businesses means strengthening our entire community. We encourage eligible entrepreneurs to explore this opportunity and take the next step in growing their business. 💼📈

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03/06/2026

We are still buzzing from our Quarterly Connect !
Our event last week was designed to bring together our investors, entrepreneur clients, board of directors and community members to have deeper connections and move us forward together. We had a great panel that took a deep dive into the journey of bringing six World Cup matches to Kansas City and the incredible economic boost it promises for our state and region.

A huge thank you to Sarah Shorthose owner of Sarah Jane Photography, Visit Columbia MO,
Harpo's Columbia and our amazing panelists.
Thank you to all who attended for making our community stronger, one connection at a time.

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02/26/2026

Congratulations to the Missouri Women's Business Center for ten years of helping entrepreneurs. We love being your resource partner in elevating entrepreneurs in Boone County.
We would also like to recognize our shared clients Raw Roots Turmeric LLC and Ranjana Hans for MWBC client of the year and Sarah Shorthose owner of Sarah Jane Photography for volunteer of the year. Congratulations to these amazing women. We were honored to celebrate along side of you. Congratulations on ten great years!

02/19/2026

Last night at REDI, we were honored to welcome Taisia Gordon, Director of Entrepreneurship for the Missouri Department of Economic Development, for a powerful entrepreneur listening session. Our REDI clients shared real stories of what it truly looks like to start and grow a local business in Missouri. The conversation was honest, insightful and exactly what entrepreneurship in our state needs.
The goals of the statewide listening sessions are clear and important.
Understand what’s working , and what’s challenging.
Identifying barriers and opportunities to start and grow a business and to
inform statewide strategy, programs and policy.
When entrepreneurs are invited to the table programs get stronger and communities grow. We are proud of our REDI entrepreneurs for showing up, speaking up and representing Boone County so well. A big thank you to Taisia Gordon and our DED! It was an inspiring conversation.

02/12/2026

We couldn't have said it better ourselves. A true and lasting impact made with extraordinary integrity and grace. Thank you, Bernie. Boone County is better because of your hard work and dedication.

02/09/2026

2025 By the Numbers: Empowering Entrepreneurs
From startups to growing businesses, REDI’s work in 2025 supported entrepreneurs at every stage—strengthening our regional economy and fueling long-term growth.

🔗See the full impact in the 2025 REDI Annual Report:https://columbiaredi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2025-Annual-Report_web.pdf =6

02/04/2026

The Shops at Sharp End Retail Incubator is opening doors for emerging entrepreneurs—providing space, coaching, and real-world experience through strong community partnerships.

🔗See how this program is empowering entrepreneurs and growing local businesses in the 2025 REDI Annual Report:https://columbiaredi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2025-Annual-Report_web.pdf =7

02/03/2026

Launching REDI’s Business Retention & Expansion Program 🚀

This new initiative strengthens local businesses by proactively supporting growth, workforce stability, and long-term success—helping ensure Columbia and Boone County remain a place where businesses thrive.

🔗See how this program is taking shape in the 2025 REDI Annual Report:https://columbiaredi.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2025-Annual-Report_web.pdf =5