Business & Industry

Small Business Assistance

Callaway Chamber Of Commerce

The Callaway Chamber of Commerce is your go-to organization for all aspects of business. The Chamber can assist businesses large or small with every stage of their business’ lifecycle. In addition, the Chamber offers one-on-one counseling to help business owners with any challenges they may face.

The Chamber can assist entrepreneurs with a wide range of needs including perfecting their business plan, minority owned certifications, understanding financials, succession planning, and more.

SHOW-ME INNOVATION COLLEGIATE PITCH COMPETITION

This program gives local collegiate entrepreneurs the opportunity to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges. Students from Westminster College, William Woods University, and Lincoln University are able to participate in this competition. Prior to the competition, the Small Business Liasion at the Chamber helps particpants to prepare by assisting with their business plan and pitch. A first place and second place winner are awarded.

The Local Lemon

This youth entrepreneurship program teaches children ages 10-16 how to start, own, and operate their own business- a lemonade stand.

SHOW-ME INNOVATION PITCH COMPETITION

This program is similar to the Collegiate Pitch Competition, as it gives entrepreneurs with a business idea the opportunity to “pitch” their idea to a panel of judges. 1st place winner will receive up to $3,000 worth of funding, 2nd place winner will receive $1,500. Both winners will receive a prize package. Before the competition, the entreprenuers receive oneon-one coaching with the Chamber’s Small Business Liasion.

The Chamber also provides a variety of classes for business owners throughout the year.

Topics vary and include starting a business, strategic planning, marketing, QuickBooks, e-Commerce, succession planning, and more. The Chamber prides itself on offering all of these at no or low cost to the attendee.

The Chamber is able to partner with additional organizations to further provide resources, techonolgy, and assistance for small business owners.

Fulton Area Development Foundation

Fulton Area Development Foundation, known as the FADF, is a 501(c)(3) Organization that focuses on the economic growth of Callaway County. It is also a sister organization to the Chamber. Primary functions include nurturing business growth, workforce development, and providing necessary resources to the business community that will assist them in growing their business.

MISSOURI WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER

The Missouri Women’s Business Center is dedicated to breaking down barriers to entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial success, with a focus on women, minorities, and low-tomoderate income-based businesses. The Missouri Women’s Business Center assists entrepreneurs as they plan, start, build, and scale their businesses. They do so by providing accessible resources, programming, and whole health business coaching, at no cost, to all of their clients.

Missouri Sbdc

The Missouri Small Business Development Center (SBDC) helps businesses in every stage: concept to startup, growth to renewal, or mature to succession.

Missouri SBDC experts are located all across the state providing assistance and hosting events on a variety of business topics.

Business specialists use their expertise to help Missouri businesses with critical business development issues. Guidance addressing topics such as management, marketing and strategic planning is available for new and existing businesses. All one-on-one counseling is confidential.