Entrepreneurship Week is an annual series of workshops and events, hosted by the Craig School of Business Center for Entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship Week is intended to be a place for business professionals, aspiring entrepreneurs, and college students to network and learn more about the skills needed to run a small business. Sessions include “How to Write a Business Plan,” “Artists as Entrepreneurs,” “Social Media Tools for Small Businesses,” “Brand Building,” and many others! The week concludes with the annual Capstone Luncheon, where the winners of the Emerging Entrepreneur and Entrepreneur of the year awards are announced. For more information, contact us at entrepreneurship@missouriwestern.edu

Scott Bratton, Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year

The Emerging Entrepreneur is the highest award given to an entrepreneur who has been in business for five years or less. The 2018 Emerging Entrepreneur is Scott Bratton, owner of Advanced Fabworks, LLC. Scott opened his welding and fabrication company in 2013, working as a welder in Afghanistan for two years prior to save enough money to start the business. In 2015, he moved to a larger facility in Elwood, Kansas and hired four employees. Less than three years later, he plans to further expand this year and employ 11. Scott has worked diligently to meet the challenges of a growing company in order to continue his success. He participates in both the St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce, the Doniphan County Chamber of Commerce, and Cup of Joe.

Scott Gann, Entrepreneur of the Year

The Entrepreneur of the Year Award is the highest award given to an entrepreneur who has been in business for five years or more. The 2018 Entrepreneur of the Year is Scott Gann. Scott opened Scott Gann Construction in 1986 and later brought out Gann Backhoe Service, which was founded by his parents. He later founded SDG Developments along with his wife, Debby. Although Scott’s many companies started out with a focus on building custom homes and onsite sewage disposal design and installation, the vision for the businesses has grown to include home remodeling, light commercial building, cabinet design, management of 45 rental units, subdivision development, large-and small—–scale excavation, as well as building site preparation and infrastructure installation. Scott also manages both his parents’ and his wife’s family farms. Scott has participated in the Helzberg Entrepreneur Mentoring Program, St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce and Midland Empire Home Builders Association, and he supports  several nonprofit organizations in St. Joseph.