CEA NewsJump October 2021
CEA NewsJump October 2021
The Columbia Entrepreneurship Alliance began in June 2020 to connect new entrepreneurs with resources to get their business or side-gig started! Please let us know how we can help you and please spread the word to those just trying to figure out how to get started!
In this issue:
Community Contribution Corner
CEA Resources
Nominations and Honorees and Awards...Oh My!
Community Contribution Corner
Surround Your Business with Trusted Vendors
By Jennifer Schenck, Connection Exchange
As a business owner, it's easy to take on everyday tasks to keep things moving and get work done. But it's also important to surround your business with trusted vendors. Have you built a network of local vendors you can connect with? If so, consider outsourcing the areas of business that don’t serve your strengths. Keep in mind what makes your business valuable and keep those tasks in-house. If a specific business function is part of the business you do, or you excel in it, keep doing it. Then think about this - do you need to run your own payroll, clean your own office, write your own social media posts or do your own bookkeeping? Maybe. But if not, find a local business that specializes in your area of need and let them take over that specific function. This will allow you to gain some extra time in your day and collaborate with other businesses that just might need your services in turn.
And if you need a resource partner to help connect your business with others in the Columbia community, reach out to us! The Connection Exchange is a welcome service that connects new businesses and residents with resources, products and services needed to excel within a new community. Additionally, The Connection Exchange provides software, coaching and startup assistance for other welcome services nationally. We are here to connect you!
CEA Resources
Entrepreneurial Master Calendar
Did you know that REDI has a full entrepreneurial master calendar? Check it out at https://www.columbiaredi.com/entrepreneurial-master-calendar/.
Organizing an upcoming event? Submit your event for free to have it added to the calendar.
Mizzou Venture Mentoring Service
Are you an entrepreneur with an innovation who would like to benefit from the experiences and skills offered by our mentors?
Mizzou VMS is a confidential educational program and team consulting service exclusively for the Mizzou community. The mission of Mizzou VMS is to create an entrepreneurial culture that will help Missouri and the greater Columbia region retain its best and brightest entrepreneurial minds.
Apply at https://mizzouvms.missouri.edu/vms-forms/ventures/new.
Nominations and Honorees and Awards...Oh My!
Kindness in Business Awards
Nominations for the 2021 Kindness in Business Awards are open now through Sunday, October 10.
We hope you will join us in nominating local Boone County businesses and nonprofits (or your own!) for kindness, resiliency and sacrifice at
https://www.kindnessinbusinessawards.com.
The Kindness in Business Awards are presented through a collaboration between Missouri Business Alert and Children's Grove.
Missourian Progress Awards
Nominate a community member or organization for the Progress Awards!
The Missourian Progress Awards recognize the people who help make Columbia a great place to live and move us forward every year.
Submit your nominations at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSesksvrEbdr_tlJxtZkTW_Vl8QdXU7CS3Uh0yoVUNrE2KD59g/viewform.
Nominations close on Friday, October 15.
Women Who Own It Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Women Who Own It Awards!
The Women Who Own It Awards recognizes the importance of female entrepreneurship and the positive impact women-owned businesses have in communities. The event was established in 2018 and highlights one female entrepreneur from each of the eight counties served by the Missouri Women’s Business Center. These counties include Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, and Osage. Nominees for the award are selected based upon their business acumen, and commitment to community service.
Nominate at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeazVrcc8Chp1eNMNKsdaInC0F4oVo1eP5du7kywac6MvO6Lw/viewform.
Nominations close on Friday, October 8.
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