Innovate Southern Missouri Sets Up Shop in Perry County
Entrepreneurship is in the air in Perry County! In addition to the recent announcement of the CEO program for high school students, of which PCCF is a fiscal sponsor, Community Foundation of the Ozarks and our own Perry County EDA have their hands in the Innovate SOMO (Innovate Southern Missouri) program, which provides funding and business coaching for tech startups, small businesses and tech careers. There is also an opportunity to become a local venture investor. Innovate SOMO's main goal is to use entrepreneurship and innovation to help communities drive growth in Missouri's southernmost 47 counties.
You know, you can set goals for your community, but without a structure in place for success, your goals can become more like challenges. This program sets up our community for a bright future with small business and tech added to the already successful factory employment our predecessors brought to Perry County. Well done, Crystal and partners!
Perry County Economic Development Authority partners with Innovate SOMO
By Christopher Borro ~ Southeast Missourian
Monday, December 18, 2023
Crystal Jones
The Perry County Economic Development Authority has partnered with the Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO) to create new educational and employment opportunities in the area.
"Collaboration with entrepreneurship support organizations such as the efactory in Springfield and Codefi in Cape Girardeau is an incredible opportunity for our local businesses in Perry County," Crystal Jones, executive director of the Perry County Economic Development Authority, said in a news release. "We are excited to partner as a Community Collaborator and look forward to see our businesses take advantage of the resources available to help them grow and thrive right here at home."
Codefi, a Cape Girardeau-based organization, partnered with Missouri State University's efactory innovation hub to create Innovate SOMO.
Innovate SOMO's main goal is to use entrepreneurship and innovation to help communities drive growth in Missouri's southernmost 47 counties.
The announcement comes just days after the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce announced its own partnership with Innovate SOMO.
Additional information may be found at www.InnovateSOMO.org or by contacting Jones at crystal@perrycountymo.org.
