Breaking Down Barriers: Expanding Capital Access for Missouri Entrepreneurs

by Nicki Donnelson, eFactory
As the year draws to a close, business owners across the Springfield metro area are taking stock, reviewing goals, celebrating wins, and making plans for a stronger year ahead. The transition from one year to the next isn’t just about closing the books; it’s about setting the stage for growth, clarity, and renewed purpose. At efactory, Missouri State University’s hub for business support and professional development, December is the perfect time
 to start thinking about what you’ll need to take your business and your career to the next level in 2026.

End-of-Year Reflection: Set the Stage for Growth
Before the ball drops on 2025, take time to reflect on a few key questions:

Whether your business is in its first year or its fifteenth, intentional reflection helps you align your energy with your goals.
 Once you’ve done that, it’s time to look ahead, because 2026 is packed with opportunities to learn, connect, and grow at efactory.

The upcoming professional development calendar is designed to help business owners and teams sharpen their skills and strengthen
 their strategy. Three standout programs to watch for in the new year include:

1. Working Genius Workshops:
Based on Patrick Lencioni’s groundbreaking framework, Working Genius helps individuals and teams understand the six types of work and identify which ones bring energy and which ones drain it. These sessions are perfect for leaders who want to improve collaboration,
 boost morale, and ensure everyone is working in their zone of genius.

2. Value Builder Series:
If one of your goals for 2026 is to increase the value of your business — whether for growth, investment, or eventual sale — the Value Builder System can help. This data-driven program helps owners measure and improve the key drivers of business value,
 offering clear strategies for sustainable success.