codefi and Missouri State University’s efactory Announce Show-Me Network, Statewide Expansion of Innovate SOMO

August 12, 2025

Building on the success of the Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO), network leads codefi and efactory¹ are proud to announce² the statewide expansion of the Show-Me Network,³ a new initiative ready to reshape the future for small businesses, tech companies, innovators, and the communities they serve.

The Show-Me Network is designed to establish and support local “connectors” – community-based organizations that serve as champions for entrepreneurs and innovators. These partners deliver tailored programming, share resources, and help businesses access the support they need to start and grow while staying rooted in their communities.

Dr. James Stapleton, CEO and founder of codefi, emphasized the long-term vision of the expansion. "New and young companies create most of Missouri's annual jobs, but smaller cities and rural areas often lack the resources to support local entrepreneurs, especially tech-based startups," Stapleton said. "The Show-Me Network connects community leaders who are passionate about their smaller communities to share expertise and resources that help entrepreneurs create quality jobs."

"Just as managing a small company differs from running a large one, supporting entrepreneurs in smaller communities requires different strategies than what works in metro areas," he added.

"Expanding into the Show-Me Network is a game-changer for Missouri's entrepreneurial ecosystem. We're not just growing our footprint; we're leaning on incredible community connectors to localize our programming, helping us reach and activate more innovators across the state,” said Rachel Munday, executive director of efactory. “By building these new bridges and strengthening our partnerships, we can provide direct pathways to the resources and capital every founder needs to succeed, no matter their location."

Our Growing Network of Impact

Making more possible in Missouri – that’s what Regional Connectors in the Show-Me Network do, and we couldn't be more thrilled to announce some incredible new partners into our network. The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce⁴ and Missouri Rural Enterprise & Innovation Center⁵ will join Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce,⁶ Ozarks Small Business Incubator,⁷ Southeast Missouri Regional Economic Development,⁸ and Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce⁹ in providing invaluable local knowledge and expertise, delivering impactful programming, and seamlessly connecting entrepreneurs to resources throughout the entire Show-Me Network.

In addition to our Regional Connectors, we're powered by an incredible lineup of Community Connectors who champion local communities and activate entrepreneurship throughout Missouri. Community Connectors include:

• Ava Area Chamber of Commerce¹⁰
• Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce¹¹
• Cowork Collective¹²
• Dallas County Economic Development Group¹³
• Economic Development Partnership of Bolivar and Polk Counties¹⁴
• Ellington Chamber¹⁵
• Farmington Regional Chamber¹⁶
• Lebanon REDI¹⁷
• Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry¹⁸
• Missouri Association of Manufacturers¹⁹
• Mountain Grove Chamber of Commerce²⁰
• Perry County Economic Development Authority²¹
• Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce²²
• Show-Me Christian County²³
• Sikeston Chamber of Commerce²⁴
• Table Rock Lake Chamber of Commerce²⁵
• Taney County Partnership²⁶
• Greater West Plains Area Chamber of Commerce²⁷

Training Partners include:

• Crowder College²⁸
• Elevate Branson²⁹
• The Great Game of Business³⁰
• University of Missouri Extension Office – Jasper County³¹ and Reynolds County³²
• Missouri SBDC³³ at Missouri Southern State University,³⁴ Southeast Missouri State University³⁵ and Missouri State University³⁶
• Missouri State University³⁷ and Missouri State University – West Plains³⁸
• Southeast Missouri State University³⁹
• The LearningForce at State Fair Community College⁴⁰

The Show-Me Network will continue to identify and onboard new Regional and Community Connectors and Training Partners across Missouri. These partners are sharing resources, acting as an incredible referral source for our programming, and helping Missourians tap into unlocked potential and new skillsets. We’re so incredibly grateful for their dedication and passion.

"The people of St. Joseph are hardworking and creative, and we are proud to partner with the Show-Me Network to ensure they — and all Missourians — have easier access to the resources they need to grow their careers and businesses," said Natalie Hawn, president and CEO of the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce. "This network ensures that a great idea in St. Joe has the same chance to succeed as one anywhere else in the state, and that's a thing to be proud of."

"Entrepreneurs in smaller communities face unique challenges, but they also bring unique strengths. Joining the Show-Me Network allows us to connect our rural entrepreneurs to a statewide ecosystem of resources, mentors, and opportunities that were once out of reach," said Anastasia Tiedemann, executive director of the Missouri Rural Enterprise & Innovation Center. "By combining local knowledge with statewide connections, we can equip innovators in our region with the tools they need to launch, grow, and thrive—without having to leave the communities they love."

Through this collaboration and funding from the Missouri Technical Assistance (MOTA) grant program⁴¹ awarded by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED),⁴² State Small Business Credit Initiative⁴³ (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Grant funds, the Show-Me Network has increased efforts to support small businesses and startups by offering enhanced technical assistance and referrals to funding opportunities. The expanded program will help entrepreneurs access critical resources that enable growth and expansion. The MOTA grant supports the SSBCI Capital program by preparing startups and small businesses to apply for IDEA Funds,⁴⁴ administered by the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC),⁴⁵ and IgniteMO,⁴⁶ administered by Justine PETERSEN.⁴⁷

“This funding is an exciting opportunity to further support entrepreneurship in every region of our state, including rural areas,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Together, we’re building a stronger, more innovative Missouri, one connection at a time.