A key element in cultivating small business development is linking aspiring entrepreneurs into support and peer groups that can inform and aid the direction of a startup venture. Whether you only have an idea you think might sell, or you have capital and products waiting, a trustworthy and informed network of individuals is integral in your chance of success.
As the economic development office for the county, MSDC has a wide variety of contacts that you may need to meet in order to get your business up and running. Setting up meetings and acting as a liaison between you and the people who can help you is an important part of what we do. Once we have an understanding of your needs, we can connect you with the people who can meet them (if we can't ourselves). This ability to link clients into the hidden networks in a community is vital in development and can mean the difference between a good idea and a successful project.
Another group in Saline County offering services, support, and networking for entrepreneurs is ShowMe E! Rural Entrepreneurship Initiative (REI). REI was created to serve as an advocate and search function for entrepreneurs in the area, and would be glad to meet you and hear about your concerns in starting a business, or about a business you currently have. REI can recommend programs or classes that may help you greatly in your venture.
ShowMe E! REI also operates as a think-tank for programs and projects that increase entrepreneurship education and activity not only in Saline County, but in Johnson, Pettis, and Lafayette as well. One of their projects--a teacher training on introducing entrepreneurial education in the classroom--may reach 100 students before its first year is over. If you are considering teaching a class or starting a business-assistance project, REI would be an ideal partner. For more information on REI please contact Cheryl Zimny at 660-886-7476.