As global concerns continue to rise about the COVID-19 outbreak, the Center for Entrepreneurship will be postponing all workshops for Entrepreneurship Week. Missouri Western State University is closely monitoring updates from the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization and supports nationwide efforts to help keep our communities safe. We plan to reschedule the free business workshops for later this year.
We realize these are unprecedented times for our economy and business owners. All businesses are very important to our community and region. As always, the Center for Entrepreneurship is here to help you in any way we can. Please let us know if we can be of assistance.
E-Week Workshops Include:
How to Write a Business Plan
Provides knowledge on writing a business plan and covers the necessary steps to take when starting your own business.
Presenter: Annette Weeks
Director of Center for Entrepreneurship
Accounting for Beginners – Quickbook Awareness
The importance of bookkeeping and learning how to navigate QuickBooks (online version).
Presenter: Shelly Hulet
Sumner, Carter, Hard and Schwichtenberg, P.C.
Advance Quickbooks
Useful techniques and best practices for the well-versed user (online QuickBooks)
Presenter: Shelly Hulet
Sumner, Carter, Hard and Schwichtenberg, P.C.
Website Design
Learn how to build your own website for your business.
Presenter: Jake Kelly
Creating a Marketing Plan
Get an in depth understanding of how to successfully develop a marketing plan for your business.
Presenter: Dr. Phillip Frank
Business Legal
Covering important legal information for small business owners.
Presenter: Susan Montee
Montee Law Firm
Protecting Your Business
Understanding small business insurance and it’s risk.
Presenter: Tracie Warder
Commercial Strategy Consultant at Tolly & Associates
Social Media Tools for Small Businesses
Grow your engagement organically by using free tools available online!
Presenter: Miu Sutton
Entrepreneurship Week Awards
2019 E-Week Award Winners
Mike Dragoo, Entrepreneur of the Year 2019
Mike Dragoo founded Dragoo Metal Works with his wife, Lori, in 1991. Working out of his garage, it was two years before he hired his first employee, and the expansions continued from there. Today, the company operates out of a 30,000 sq. ft. building with 25 employees. Dragoo Metal Works serves the bioprocessing equipment industry, building and installing state-of-the-art equipment to their customers’ specifications. Mike also co-owns Spanky & Buckwheat’s Catering & Rental Hall and Ultra Clean.
“Mike truly thinks like an entrepreneur and finds ways to develop ideas with others so everyone can succeed,” his nomination read.
He is currently serving as president of the Southside Sertoma Club and volunteers for several other local organizations. He serves on the Sheet Metal Workers Local #2 Apprentice Board, and was Chair of the Board for four years for Hillcrest Transitional Housing (now Pivotal Point).
Alyson Fisher, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
In 2017, Alyson Fisher bought a successful pet-grooming business, Fantastic Fido’s, and by the second year, had increased the gross income by more than 38 percent. That success led to the purchase of Garden Gate Flowers & Gifts in 2018. She also owns and operates AT Productions, where she works with businesses to help them succeed. Fantastic Fido’s staff grew from four employees to 14, and Garden Gate has grown from two full-time and four part-time to three full-time and five part-time. She is very active in the local entrepreneurial group, Cup of Joe, and recently founded the Cup of Joe Book Club.
“Alyson is an extremely motivated individual. She provides a level of management that gives her employees a feeling of worth, giving her the opportunity to own more than one business and help others,” her nomination read.
2020 Award Nominations
Entrepreneur of the Year
Do you know of a successful entrepreneur? One that you admire and hold in esteem? Have they shown experience in starting, growing, and/or expanding a successful business? Have they been in business for five years or more? Do they give back to the community? If so, we would love for you to nominate them for the Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
This is for those entrepreneurs that have been in business five years or less. This is to highlight those entrepreneurs that are showing innovation and has the potential for impact on our community.
Past Award Winners
Entrepreneur of the Year
2018 – Scott Gann
2017 – Bob Wollenman
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
2018 – Scott Bratton
2017 – Jason Chase
