Background
The Southern Missouri Innovation Network was founded by Codefi in Cape Girardeau and the efactory at Missouri State University in Springfield, two of the state’s most successful innovation hubs. The objective of the first-of-its-kind regional network is to accelerate innovation, workforce and economic development across 47 counties in Southern Missouri.
The network is being supported by over 100 leading companies and stakeholders in the region and includes strategic partnerships with the Missouri Cybersecurity Center of Excellence, Jordan Valley Innovation Center, Crowder College, Missouri State University, Missouri State University-West Plains, Three Rivers College, Southeast Missouri State University, Mineral Area College, Community Foundation of the Ozarks, as well as support from workforce development, economic development, and Chambers of Commerce across the region.
When fully funded and implemented, the project is estimated
in only its first
3
years
to create
700+
high-wage digital occupations
and launch
150+
new businesses
across
47
counties
Regional Resource Delivery
Expanding and accelerating access to the resources companies and workers need to grow and thrive in the digital economy.
Workforce Development
- High School and Adult Digital Skills Training
- Software Development
- Cybersecurity
- Communities of Practice
- Employer Capstone Projects
- Apprenticeships and Paid Work Experiences
- Mentoring and Coaching
- Youth Coding Education
- Youth Coding League
Business Development
- Main Street Startups
- Startup Boot Camp
- Consulting and Mentoring
- On-demand and Virtual Training
- Tech Startups
- Startup Boot Camp
- Incubator
- Accelerator
- Consulting and Mentoring
- On-demand and Virtual Training
Access to Capital
- Venture Investor Network
- Investor Development
- Charitable and Equity Investment
- Angel, Seed, Follow-on Capital
- SEDI Grant and Loan Programs
- Accelerator Grants
- Low Interest Loans