Missouri SBDC at MSSU

10/14/2026

Join the Missouri SBDC at Missouri Southern State University and the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce for Canva Basics: Simple Tools to Promote Your Business!
Explore simple ways to use Canva to create eye-catching graphics and promote your business with confidence. Whether you’re new to Canva or looking to build your skills, this session is a great place to start.
📅 October 20, 2026
🕓 4:00–5:00 p.m.
📍 Carl Junction Community Center
👉 Scan the QR code in the graphic to register!

10/12/2026

Click the link in our bio to find more information about our trainings.

10/07/2026

This fall, see how your business can grow here, with the Missouri SBDC. Click the link in our bio to learn more.

10/05/2026

This Wednesday, October 7, join the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Rural Affairs for a roundtable conversation on the opportunities, challenges, and resources shaping the future of rural small businesses.

10/05/2026

Save the date!

We're excited to welcome Aaron Stockton, Owner and Creative Director of + Light Creative, for the next installment of our Fall 2026 Entrepreneurship Speaker Series!

With more than two decades in video production and storytelling, Aaron has helped businesses, nonprofits, and schools across the Four States share their stories through high-quality video.

Join us to hear how he built Shadow + Light Creative, the lessons he's learned along the way, and his take on turning a creative craft into a thriving business.

See Aaron's work: https://shadowandlightcreative.com

To register, scan the QR code on the flyer or use this link:
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/27108

Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 11:00am - 11:50am
Location: MSSU Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center - Plaster Hall in Cornell Auditorium, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin MO 64801

Cost: No cost and open to the community!
This event is offered in-person and online.

A Zoom link will be sent to those registered prior to the event. Registration closes Tuesday, October 20 at 5:00pm.

We hope to see you there!

09/27/2026

Congratulations to our Missouri SBDC State Star, Joel Barrett! This is an incredible achievement and very well-deserved. Thank you for all of your hard work, Joel!

09/24/2026

***Today's the Day!!!***

If you are unable to attend in person, please use the Zoom link below to join virtually:

https://mssu-edu.zoom.us/j/85278138441

See you soon!

***TOMORROW'S THE DAY!!!***

We're excited to welcome Tabatha Carter, Founder of Cheeky Fun Joplin, for the first installment of our Fall 2026 Entrepreneurship Speaker Series!

Join us to hear the story behind Tabatha's business, the lessons she has learned along the way, and her unique perspective on blending creativity and business.

To register, please use this link:
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/27127

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center - Plaster Hall in Cornell Auditorium, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin MO 64801
Cost: No cost and open to the community!

This event is offered in-person and online. A Zoom link will be sent to those registered prior to the event.

See you then!

09/23/2026

***TOMORROW'S THE DAY!!!***

We're excited to welcome Tabatha Carter, Founder of Cheeky Fun Joplin, for the first installment of our Fall 2026 Entrepreneurship Speaker Series!

Join us to hear the story behind Tabatha's business, the lessons she has learned along the way, and her unique perspective on blending creativity and business.

To register, please use this link:
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/27127

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center - Plaster Hall in Cornell Auditorium, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin MO 64801
Cost: No cost and open to the community!

This event is offered in-person and online. A Zoom link will be sent to those registered prior to the event.

See you then!

09/21/2026

***HAPPENING THIS WEEK***

This Thursday, September 24th, the first installment of our Fall 2026 - Entrepreneurship Speaker Series kicks off!

We will be joined by Tabatha Carter, Founder, Cheeky Fun Joplin, for an hour of conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, operations, and what it really looks like to build a grow a business.

Tabatha has grown her business from a local side hustle into a flourishing business serving the four states area, and her approach to entrepreneurship is anything but ordinary. She'll share some of the lessons and experiences that have shaper her journey, and offer a fresh perspective on the business behind the creative work.

Register today!
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/27127

-WHEN: Thursday, September 24th
-TIME: 9:30am-10:30am
-WHERE: Cornell Auditorium | Plaster School of Business | MSSU
-NO COST TO ATTEND AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Whether you're a current business owner, aspiring entrepreneur, creative professional, or simply curious about the entrepreneurial journey, come hear Tabatha's story and learn from her experience.

We hope to see you there!

Link to join virtually will be shared via email the morning of the event.

09/17/2026

The team at Nightly focuses on building a unique company culture, not talking about sales. Find out how the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University & efactory helped them achieve their success. 👇👇👇
America's SBDC

Ask Nightly.cc co-founder Nathan Cole what he’s most proud of, and he won’t talk about revenue, expansion or the number of properties his company manages.

He’ll talk about people.

That answer says a lot about how Nightly became the company it is today. From a floating coworking membership at efactory to a growing team serving property owners and guests across multiple states, every stage of the journey has been shaped by relationships, trust and an intentional approach to growth.

Nathan calls it “going slow to go fast.”

In our latest blog, he shares why Nightly once turned away new business, how efactory interns became part of the team and why unforgettable guest experiences often begin with a strong company culture.

Read the full Nightly story: https://hubs.li/Q04x99Db0

09/15/2026

Your business canstart AND grow with the Missouri SBDC. Take a look at our website, find a center near you and figure out how you can get started.

09/07/2026

Strengthen your business skills by attending our trainings. Find out more at the link below!
missourisbdc.org

09/03/2026

Watch your business flourish with the Missouri SBDC.

08/27/2026

Next month, we're featuring Tabatha Carter, Owner & Creative Director of Cheeky Fun Joplin, and we're giving you a sneak peek into the story behind her business!

Our latest blog, "Painting Her Own Path: Meet Tabatha Carter," is now live on our website.

Read it here:
https://www.mssutraining.com/post/painting-her-own-path-meet-tabatha-carter

On Thursday, September 24th, Tabatha will join us at Missouri Southern State University for our Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Unveiling the Entrepreneurial Journey.

This is an opportunity to hear directly from a local entrepreneur about her experiences, lessons learned, and the journey of building a business.

Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 24th
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Cornell Auditorium, Plaster School of Business, MSSU
Address: 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin, MO 64801
Cost: No Cost

Open to the Public!

Register here:
https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/27127

08/24/2026

From the Missouri SBDC, welcome back to a new school year!

08/24/2026

We provide helpful instruction on a variety of topics you may have to deal with in your workplace presented by our team and partners – find more trainings in the link in our bio!

08/21/2026

Join us for the Entrepreneur Speaker Series featuring Tabatha Carter, founder of Cheeky Fun Joplin, on Thursday, September 24, 2026! Tabatha Carter is an entrepreneur, speaker, and the founder of Cheeky Fun Joplin, a two-time Best of the Four States winner. Built from the ground up over a decade of hands-on grit, she grew her business from a local side hustle into an entertainment agency operating across four states. As a neurodivergent business owner, Tabatha specializes in unconventional operational systems, confidently owning and charging your true value, and running the business side of art so creative talent can do what they love under leadership they trust.

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Time: 9:30am - 10:30am
Location: Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center - Plaster Hall in Cornell Auditorium, 3950 Newman Road, Joplin MO 64801
Cost: No cost

This event is offered in-person and online. A Zoom link will be sent to those registered prior to the event.

See you then!

08/06/2026

Congratulations to Collin and Jamie Pearman on the Grand Opening of their business Four States Soap Refillery LLC!!!

Team Missouri SBDC at MSSU was thrilled to attend today's grand opening and to see their incredible vision to life.

Collin and Jamie are outstanding examples of entrepreneurship in action. After earning 1st Place in the Start-Up track at Pitch Palooza 2026, they turned their dedication for healthier, more sustainable living into a business that serves our community.

At Four States Soap Refillery LLC, customers can shop for non-toxic soaps, personal care products, and household essentials while embracing a cleaner, more sustainable lifestyle.

"Making cleaner living simple, one ounce at a time."

To learn more, visit their website:

https://fourstatessoaprefillery.com/

08/04/2026

Congratulations to Aaron Stockton, Owner and Creative Director, Shadow + Light Creative on his recent ribbon cutting with the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce!

Team Missouri SBDC at MSSU was honored to join the celebration and support Aaron as he continues to grow his business.

Aaron's entrepreneurial journey is a great example of the innovation and determination we see throughout our region. In 2025, Aaron earned 1st place at Pitch Palooza for his pitch in the Start-Up track. In 2026, Aaron gave back to the entrepreneurial community by serving as one of our valuable Pitch Palooza Committee Members.

We love celebrating small business success stories and are ecstatic to watch Shadow + Light Creative continue to grow and make a lasting impact in our community!

07/08/2026

A big thank you to the Webb City - Carl Junction Rotary Club for inviting us to speak on how small businesses can utilize Artificial Intelligence as a tool for growth and innovation. We truly appreciated the warm welcome and wonderful hospitality!

It was a pleasure sharing practical A.I. applications and discussing how the Missouri SBDC at MSSU helps entrepreneurs and small businesses start, grow, and succeed.