The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Southeast Missouri State University is gearing up to celebrate National Small Business Week, May 4–10, with a weeklong lineup of free business workshops designed to empower entrepreneurs and support small businesses across the region.
From Kennett to Dexter to virtual sessions, the SBDC will offer seven no-cost events tailored to help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs grow, innovate, and succeed.
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“We’re proud to support the hardworking small business community in Southeast Missouri,” said Jakob Pallesen, SBDC director. “This year’s workshop series offers practical, actionable tools for growth, marketing, staffing, branding and even leveraging AI.”
Workshop Schedule:
May 6 – Kennett Chamber of Commerce (1601 1st St, Kennett, MO 63857)
- Strategic Growth (10–11:30 a.m.)
- Learn how to assess your company’s growth opportunities and prioritize focus areas.
- Developing Your Marketing Game Plan (12–1:30 p.m.)
- Build a strong, actionable plan to launch or improve your marketing efforts.
- Talent Attraction and Retention (1:30–2:30 p.m.)
- Create a strategy to attract and keep top talent in your business.
- AI in Business (10–11:45 a.m.)
- Demystify AI and discover how to apply it in your business for greater efficiency.
- Supercharge Your Day with ChatGPT (12:15–2:00 p.m.)
- Learn how to use ChatGPT to streamline tasks, write emails, and boost creativity.
May 8 – Virtual Sessions
- Creating Your Brand Experience (10–11 a.m.)
- Design a memorable brand that resonates with your customers.
- Ready, Set, Startup (12–1:30 p.m.)
- Get the tools and insights to successfully launch your business.
All workshops are free of charge, but registration is required. Entrepreneurs, small business owners, and those thinking about starting a business are encouraged to sign up and take advantage of these valuable sessions.
For more information and to view all upcoming events, visit missouri.ecenterdirect.com.