Join us for Innovate SOMO Week!

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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
Hosted by: efactory
We’re launching Innovate SOMO Week with a high-energy kickoff event at efactory! Expect engaging speakers, networking, and a celebration of the region’s innovation progress. Details coming soon!

Time TBD
Springfield, MO
More Info Coming Soon!
Tuesday, April 22
Driving Impactful Change Through Venture Philanthropy
Hosted by: codefi, CFO, Hatch
Discover emerging options to effectively deploy angel and venture capital that generates economic and social impact. This workshop delivers practical guidance on angel and venture investing for those seeking to do good and do well, and highlights opportunities to invest in companies from southern Missouri. This is a great fit for donor advised fund managers, family investment offices, and accredited individual investors, including those new to this type of philanthropy or investing.

Time TBD
Springfield, MO
‍More Info Coming Soon!
Wednesday, April 23
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 PM - 5 PM
‍Springfield, MO
RSVP/Learn More
Where Are the New Jobs? Startups, Mature Firms, and the Future of Work
Hosted by: codefi
The evolution of U.S. job growth over the last four decades reveals a compelling paradox: young startups are essential drivers of economic growth, yet the workforce is increasingly concentrated in established firms. Join this virtual webinar to learn about an intriguing recent research study led by Dr. James Stapleton, which offers annual metrics on establishment and firm dynamics, including job creation and loss, over the last forty years in southern Missouri.

Time TBD
‍Virtual
‍More Info Coming Soon!
Thursday, April 24
The Regular Meeting of the Missouri Technology Corporation Board of Directors
Hosted by: codefi
Innovate SOMO is proud to host the statewide board during Innovate SOMO Week. MTC is a public-private partnership created by the Missouri General Assembly to promote entrepreneurship and foster the growth of new and emerging high-tech companies, and has supported Innovate SOMO through it's Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity and other grant programs.

Private Event
‍Cape Girardeau, MO
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Friday, April 25
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
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

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