SPRINGFIELD, MO — The Downtown Springfield Association (DSA) has awarded five local businesses with $5,000 grants through the 2025 ASCEND – Advancing Springfield’s Commitment to Entrepreneurship, Networking and Development program. A check presentation ceremony was held on Friday, November 14, celebrating this year’s recipients and their contributions to downtown’s growing small business community. The 2025 ASCEND Grant recipients are: Claro Studioworks, Hair Waves Salon, Ozarks Farm Stop, LLC, Ozarks Life and Queen City Collectors. Launched with funding support from the U.S. Bank Foundation, ASCEND strengthens Springfield’s small business community by connecting entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship and networking opportunities to help them launch, grow and thrive.“This is a competitive process,” remarked Brian Mattson, DSA Chair. “I want to thank the selection committee who went through all these applications, did all the due diligence, and checked on them. Samuel Knox Publisher, and Managing editor of UniteNews Magazine, Amanda Ohlensehlen, Director of Economic Vitality with the City of Springfield, and DSA Board member and Ben Vickers, who’s the Business Development Manager with the Springfield Area, Chamber of Commerce, and also a DSA board. ”This year’s recipients represent a range of industries—from art and design to retail, agriculture and personal care—all contributing to the creativity and culture that make Springfield thrive. Brecka Henderson is founder and owner of Hairwave Salon. She started this salon with a clear vision to create something where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and supported. She built Hairwaves to be a place where first impressions can be rewritten. Confidence can be restored, and clients can feel their best. Whether they’re preparing for a big event, or simply navigating everyday life. Hairwaves salon specializes in all hair types, and her team is known not only for their skill, but for their heart. The $5,000 would help Hairwaves install a permanent professional exterior sign, a simple powerful tool that boosts awareness for everybody.
Rod Smith, is the founder of Ozark’s Life.
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