About Missouri Business Development Program and MissouriBusiness.net

Business program

The University of Missouri Extension's Business Development Program (BDP) exists to help Missouri's entrepreneurs succeed in private enterprise and to promote the economic development of the state of Missouri. It performs this vital service through a network of business counselors located throughout the state.

In addition to MU Extension business counselors based in several regions of the Show-Me State, the network also includes counselors in:

• the Missouri Small Business and Technology Development Centers (MO SBTDC), which address issues related to starting, maintaining and expanding businesses;
• the Missouri Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (MO PTAC), which guide firms interested in doing contract business with federal, state and local governments;
• MoFAST (technology development and commercialization), which help researchers, innovators and technology-based firms to develop cutting-edge products and services and to pursue R&D funding through such sources as SBIR and STTR government agency awards.

Each of these business centers has regional offices located on several of the campuses of the University of Missouri and at other public higher education institutions throughout Missouri.

Our website provides access to information, assistance and training to help businesses compete in a rapidly changing world.

Other programs include:

• the Missouri Environmental Assistance Center, the one-stop resource for pollution prevention and environmental compliance assistance for Missouri small businesses;
• the Career Options Project, which assists dislocated workers and others seeking information on occupations and job training;
• the Missouri Film Office, assisting filmmakers in Missouri with needs such as scouting, pre-production and liaison via a strong network of local contacts;
• the Market Development Program, which provides information for manufacturers in finding and using recycled materials for producing new goods.

Mission statement

The BDP's mission is to improve people's lives and the competitiveness of Missouri businesses through research-based education and technical assistance to enhance Missouri's economy.

Vision statement

Within the next five years, the BDP 's vision is to:

1. Be recognized as a leader in the University’s economic development mission and build linkages among students, faculty and businesses to promote research, learning, service, economic growth and quality of life.
2. Be recognized as the national and statewide leader in entrepreneurial development and the creation and growth of small businesses from inception to tomorrow's enterprise leaders.
3. Become a valued and trustworthy business information source, disseminating business research, resources, training and information for business, policy makers and individuals.
4. Become a market-driven organization that serves entrepreneurs, businesses and Missouri's workforce with customer-focused programs that are fundable from program revenues, donations, grants and stakeholders.
5. Be recognized for our training and learning innovations that effectively use students, businesses, faculty, technology and staff to enhance the learning process for clients and the economy of Missouri.

About the site

Although the information on this Web site is kept current and accurate, the information and links on this Web site are provided as informal guidance only and do not constitute legal advice. No guarantee is made as to about the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in or linked to this web site. MissouriBusiness.net is not responsible for the privacy practices or the content of Web sites to which we link. The University of Missouri does not endorse external sites.

University of Missouri Extension does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability or status as a Vietnam-era veteran in employment or programs. For more information, please visit www.missouri.edu/eeo-aa.php.

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For business questions

Each of our programs may be contacted via the center listing. Business information questions may be submitted to our partner, Missouri SourceLink by contacting businesscenter@missouri.edu. or by phoning 1-888-751-2863.

Technical questions or help with the site

To ask questions or comment on the Web site, or ask permission to use content on the site, please vist the contact us section of our help page.

Sources

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• Georgia SBDC (podcasts)
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