By Nicki Donnelson, efactory
Missouri entrepreneurs and small business owners across the state are set to benefit from a significant expansion of technical assistance programs. A new initiative, spearheaded by Missouri State University’s efactory in collaboration with codefi, will leverage the Missouri Technical Assistance grant, as selected by the Missouri Department of Economic Development—giving the organization $2,937,663 in State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI).
Building on the success of the Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO), this statewide program will offer enhanced technical assistance and connect businesses with vital resources. Entrepreneurs can expect expanded access to training, personalized consultations, and guidance on securing funding opportunities. This initiative aims to empower businesses in all corners of Missouri, including rural areas, to start, grow and succeed.
The program will also play a key role in preparing businesses to access capital through programs like the Missouri Technology Corporation’s IDEA Funds and IgniteMO, administered by Justine PETERSEN. By streamlining access to these resources, the initiative seeks to foster a stronger and more resilient business environment throughout Missouri.
Many entrepreneurs are passionate about growing their businesses while staying rooted in their communities,” said Rachel Munday, Executive Director of efactory. “By expanding resources to all corners of the state, we can provide more assistance and connections that help small businesses thrive no matter their location. This grant will enable us to open doors to new opportunities for many entrepreneurs and small business owners who are eager to grow and make an impact.”
Partnering with The Great Game of Business®
efactory and the Missouri SBDC at Missouri State University also recently announced a new partnership with The Great Game of Business®, the company known for its widely adopted system of the same name that helps businesses drive results through transparency, engagement, and shared accountability.
This new collaboration strengthens local expertise and expands access to training. Two Missouri SBDC business consultants will be certified GGOB coaches, enabling them to support small business clients across the region with customized consulting and implementation strategies.
Building on that foundation, efactory will launch a full calendar of in-person GGOB training opportunities beginning in fall 2025. These sessions—including Financial Literacy, MiniGames™, and more—will be available to businesses already using GGOB, as well as those looking to strengthen financial understanding, improve team alignment, and build more engaged, results-driven teams.
“The Great Game of Business builds a culture grounded in financial literacy,” said Chrystal Irons, director of the Missouri SBDC at MSU. “It’s never too early—and a business is never too small—to understand the story the numbers tell. When people see how their actions influence financial outcomes, it turns understanding into ownership. This partnership brings a game-changing methodology within reach for businesses of all sizes.”
The Great Game of Business was developed by Springfield entrepreneur Jack Stack, co-author of the book by the same name and one of the original founders of SRC Holdings Corporation. What began in 1983 as a strategy to revitalize a dying division of International Harvester has grown into a globally recognized operating system used by thousands of companies worldwide—including many right here in Springfield, Missouri.
“Jack Stack changed the way we think about running a business,” said Rachel Munday, executive director of efactory. “To grow that legacy by making GGOB more available to organizations across the region is a big win for our entire community.”
This partnership is made possible through the Missouri Department of Economic Development’s ARPA Community Revitalization Grant awarded to codefi and efactory in support of the Southern Missouri Innovation Network.
“To be able to connect homegrown, world-class business leaders, and a system that will transform Missouri business owners is a no-brainer,” added Munday. “We’re so thankful to the Missouri DED for seeing the vision and helping make this program more accessible to Missouri businesses.”
