WEST PLAINS, Mo. – Officials with the Small Business and Technology Development Center (SBTDC), hosted by Missouri State University-West Plains, have released the center’s annual report for 2015-2016, and statistics show staff served a total of 127 local entrepreneurs from October 2015 through September 2016.

The assistance provided by SBTDC staff led to the start-up of 13 new businesses, the creation of 56 new jobs, the investment of $1.1 million in the area, and increased sales totalling $2.3 million in the community, according to the report. The West Plains SBTDC serves entrepreneurs in Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Shannon, Texas and Wright counties.

SBTDC contributes to the growth of the local and state economy by improving the competitiveness of small business through education, technical assistance and coaching, SBTDC Coordinator Bronwen Madden explained. As an official resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the local SBTDC office has access to accredited industry professionals who can provide the business acumen to help entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses, she added. Since it is funded in part through the SBA, virtually all of its services are free.

“Being part of a nationwide program of Small Business Development Centers means we have access to the tools and resources to best serve you. We are the most comprehensive small business assistance network in the United States working to support entrepreneurs start and grow their business,” Madden said.

The local SBTDC office hosted several events during the year to support area small business owners and entrepreneurs, including a restaurant safety and food management seminar featuring speakers from the Howell County Health Department and South Central Career Center Culinary Arts Program; a day-long celebration of local manufacturers as part of Manufacturing Day in America; a special seminar in engagement marketing for hobbyists-turned-entrepreneurs; a two-day small farm conference in partnership with the Ozark Farmers Ag Co-Op and the City of West Plains; craft entrepreneurship training in partnership with Etsy, a leading e-commerce platform for creative entrepreneurs; a three-part financial management training series for business owners; an agribusiness marketing forum; and a presentation on intellectual property and product design protection as part of National Small Business Week.

“We target our training in areas where we’ve identified business growth opportunities, such as on-line sales, and finding complementary businesses with our leading industries and their core competencies. By understanding our local business base, we seek out ways to add value and help them grow,” Madden said. “The Etsy Craft Entrepreneurship program is a prime example; we brought the training to West Plains based on the fact that our largest annual trade show is the holiday arts and crafts fair.”

Several SBTDC clients praised the help they received in their business ventures. “Starting a new business can be overwhelming and leave one with lots of questions,” said Catherine Pearson of Gypsy Chicks LLC. “Bronwen is clearly an expert in her field and an amazing resource. I look forward to continuing to work with these amazing professionals for business success.”

“The knowledge and talent offered by SBTDC was beyond our expectations,” added Patrice Jennings of the Ozark Farmers Ag Co-Op. “They helped us take our conference to a higher level than we dreamed it would be. They took our dream and made it happen.”

“We are honored to work with our local entrepreneurs and know they trust SBTDC to mentor and grow their businesses to the next level,” Madden said. “We will continue to develop more business opportunities to serve our south-central Missouri region and continue our commitment to support economic development.”

For more information about SBTDC and its services or to view a copy of the report, visit the SBTDC website or call 417-255-7966.