Join us for Innovate SOMO Week!

‍
This week-long series of events will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, business leaders, and community champions to connect, learn, and collaborate.

Southern Missouri is on the rise as a hub for innovation and business growth, and Innovate SOMO Week is the perfect opportunity to highlight the momentum, success stories, and future opportunities in our region. Whether you're a startup founder, investor, industry leader, or someone passionate about the entrepreneurial ecosystem, there’s something for you during this week of inspiration and networking.

What to Expect...

Engaging Events

A mix of in-person and virtual events designed to educate, inspire, and connect innovators across the region.

Networking Opportunities

Meet fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders who are shaping the future of Southern Missouri’s economy.

Educational Sessions

Learn from industry experts about investment strategies, scaling startups, and navigating the evolving business landscape.

Community Growth

Celebrate the collaborative spirit of our region and explore ways to get involved in the innovation ecosystem.

2025 Innovate SOMO week

Schedule at a Glance

Get ready for a dynamic lineup of events happening throughout the week! From high-energy kickoff celebrations to investor education sessions and tech-focused meetups, there’s something for everyone. While exact details are still being finalized, here’s a preview of what you can expect during Innovate SOMO Week:

Monday, April 21
Innovate SOMO Kick-Off Extravaganza
Hosted by: efactory
We’re launching Innovate SOMO Week with a high-energy kickoff event at efactory—celebrating the big wins and lasting impact of the Innovate SOMO movement with the people who made it all possible. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders from across Southern Missouri. Enjoy engaging speakers, including inspiring words from local legend Jeff Schrag, exciting network updates, and plenty of opportunities to celebrate the region’s innovation momentum and collaborative spirit.


10 AM
Springfield, MO
RSVP/Learn More
Future-Ready Youth: Coding, Competition, and College and Career Pathways
Hosted by: codefi
This webinar is designed for school leaders, librarians, and community champions interested in launching or growing YCL teams. Get an overview of the Fall 2025 season, explore new curriculum aligned with industry standards, and discover ways to boost student engagement. Plus, hear about our exciting new partnership with the STARS College Network, expanding college access for rural coders.

3:30 - 4:15 PM
Virtual
RSVP/Learn More
Tuesday, April 22
Tech-Forward Communities: Building Pathways to Opportunity
Hosted by: codefi
Join a panel discussion on Code Labs’ Full-Stack Web Development program and Skill Forge courses. Hear from developers, employers, and workforce partners about how these programs are building tech careers and growing Missouri’s digital economy.

9 - 9:30 AM
Cape Girardeau, MO
RSVP/Learn More
Discover & Lead with Your Strengths
Hosted by: efactory
Unlock your potential by identifying and leveraging your unique strengths. This interactive workshop, led by a certified coach, will help you improve teamwork, communication, and leadership. Gain insights from a self-assessment and learn practical strategies to build and lead high-performance teams.

9 AM - 4 PM
Springfield, MO
RSVP/Learn More
Connecting SOMO: Local Entrepreneurs Designing and Building Products in Demand
Hosted by: codefi & efactory
The #1 reason new businesses fail is the lack of market demand. This means that the startup built a product or service that nobody wanted or needed. Essentially, they solved a problem that didn't exist, or the solution wasn't compelling enough for customers. During this session of Connecting SOMO, we will connect with founders and aspiring founders of tech based startups who will share their experiences in trying to validate their ideas.


2 - 2:30 PM
Virtual
RSVP/Learn More
Wednesday, April 23
Where Are the New Jobs Coming From in Southern Missouri?
Hosted by: codefi
Join this exclusive virtual webinar to learn about a powerful research study recently released by Dr. James Stapleton, which analyzed the annual dynamics of over 650,000 establishments in Missouri between 1997 and 2024. Economic and community developers, civic leaders, and philanthropists from across southern Missouri, join us to learn how establishment and firm dynamics, including job creation and loss, over the last nearly 30 years illustrate the evolution of employment in our region.


10 - 10:30 AM
Virtual
RSVP/Learn More
Brand Building Funding for Businesses Lunch & Learn
Hosted by: Ozarks Small Business Incubator
Learn about the new Small Business Brand Building and Website Development Digital Impact Program, offering scholarships and deep discounts for radio marketing and website design. Hear from marketing and branding experts from Ozark Marketing, Idyllic Solutions, and Rural Marketing Service as they share affordable strategies to help small businesses grow their brand and digital reach.

11:30 AM - 1 PM
West Plains, MO
RSVP/Learn More
Cultivating Innovation: Thriving Tech Startups in Unexpected Places
Hosted by: SEMO REDi & codefi
The journey to a successful high-growth startup is less like a well organized major highway and more like a winding back-country road. That road to success seldom runs through smaller cities and rural communities. But, why? Join us live to hear from a panel of entrepreneurs enjoying success, despite the challenges of being a founder who is trying to build a tech company outside the major metros – in communities across southern Missouri.


12 PM
Cape Girardeau, MO
RSVP/Learn More
AI Simplified: Practical Tools for Business Productivity
Hosted by: efactory
Discover how AI can save you time, reduce stress, and boost productivity in this hands-on workshop. Learn to leverage tools like ChatGPT and DALL·E for marketing, presentations, and communication—no technical expertise required. Walk away with practical strategies to integrate AI into your daily workflow efficiently and ethically.

2 - 5 PM
Springfield, MO
RSVP/Learn More
Thursday, April 24
Stronger Together: Building Tech Skills and Career Paths in the Ozarks - Webinar
Hosted by: Ozarks Small Business Incubator & codefi
Join codefi and OzSBI for a virtual fireside chat highlighting free tech training opportunities through Code Labs and Skill Forge in the West Plains region. Hear from program graduates, employers, and Codefi team members about how these programs are creating real career paths in rural Missouri and how to get involved.


12 - 12:30 PM
Virtual
‍R‍SVP/Learn More
The Network Member Event: Meet & Mingle
Hosted by: Cowork Collective
Join us for our first-ever Meet & Mingle—an evening of light bites, drinks, and meaningful connections. This members-only event is a relaxed opportunity to get to know others in the network, share resources, and build relationships in a laid-back setting.

5 - 6:30 PM
Monett, MO
R‍SVP/Learn More
Friday, April 25
Free Coworking Day Across the Region
Come connect, collaborate, and experience the community!
Cape Girardeau:
‍codefi - 338 Broadway St 6th Floor

Joplin:
‍Joseph Newman Innovation Center - 407 S Pennsylvania Ave

Monett:
Cowork Collective - 308 E Broadway St ‍

Springfield:
‍efactory - 405 N Jefferson Ave

West Plains:
OzSBI - 408 Washington Ave




8 AM - 5 PM
Introduction to Grant Writing
Hosted by: efactory
Learn the essentials of grant writing in this interactive workshop, whether you're a beginner or experienced writer. Discover how to research funding opportunities, craft compelling proposals, and evaluate grant success. Gain expert insights to secure funding and support your organization’s mission.

9 AM - 4:30 PM
Springfield, MO
RSVP/Learn More
Announcing Traction Studio AI
Hosted by: codefi
Join us for an exclusive virtual announcement of Traction Studio AI, a groundbreaking AI-assisted platform designed to transform how tech startups accelerate speed-to-market and become investor ready. Founders, accelerator leaders, venture capitalists, and entrepreneurial ecosystem partners across Missouri and beyond—don’t miss this opportunity to learn how this new platform will change the way early-stage tech companies are built and funded.


10 - 10:30 AM
Virtual
RSVP/Learn More
BIG SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!
Hosted by: codefi
TOPIC SECRET, FOR NOW! Stay tuned for a big announcement that will take place at codefi’s headquarters in Cape Girardeau. It’s easy to say that this is the biggest announcement codefi has ever made, and we can’t wait to share it with our stakeholders and supporters!

1 PM
Cape Girardeau, MO
RSVP/Learn More

Get Involved

Hosting an event during Innovate SOMO Week? We'd love to feature it! Email your details to hello@innovatesomo.org with the subject line "Innovate SOMO Week Event Submission"

Why Attend?

Innovate SOMO Week is your chance to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders while gaining valuable insights into the region’s thriving innovation ecosystem. Whether you're looking to grow your startup, invest in new ventures, or simply be part of the conversation, this week-long event offers unique opportunities to learn, network, and celebrate the impact of innovation in Southern Missouri.

Gain Valuable Insights

Learn from experts about startup growth, securing investment, and navigating the evolving business landscape.

Celebrate Regional Innovation

Be part of the movement that is driving Southern Missouri’s growth as a center for business and technology.

Discover New Opportunities

Find out how you can get involved in the innovation ecosystem, whether you’re looking to start a business, invest, or collaborate.

Expand Your Network

Connect with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders who are passionate about growing the region’s innovation economy.

Stay Updated

Have questions or want to get involved? You can reach us at hello@innovatesomo.org. More details will be announced soon. Be sure to follow us for the latest updates and full event details!

Looking for inspiration or ready to promote your event? Download our Theme Ideas PDF for event ideas, and access our Social Media Kit to help spread the word. More resources coming soon!

Thank You For Your Support!

This week is possible from support from the Missouri Technology Corporation Regional Node grant program.

Learn More