April News & Events



EPIC 16: Entrepreneur Potential and Innovation Collaboration


Our second annual EPIC event will be held on May 3, 2016 during National Small Business Week.  EPIC 16 will feature nationally recognized business makeover expert Ellen Rohr as the keynote speaker. After almost sinking their family business, Ellen was able to turn it around and grow the company from 0 to $40 million in franchise sales and 47 locations in less than 2 years. Don't miss her presentation on how to make Business UN-Complicated so you can live Life UN-Leashed!




During this event you will hear the journey local entrepreneurs faced when starting their own business, the rewards and pitfalls, and what it took to become successful.  The 2 roundtable discussions "Grown Local, Gone Global" and "Innovators, Creators and Risk-takers" will feature: 


Heather Hill, Countryside Pet Supply

Josh Holstein, CellARide

Brian Clark, Ray Ray's Smokehouse BBQ

Kris Lumby, VoxDis

Scotty Wall, Global Steel Buildings

Zac Kelly, Earth Outdoors



Our "shark tank" style business pitch competition will feature 3 local entreprenuers pitching their business idea for a chance to win a cash prize and professional mentoring. Our finalists are: 
Melody Werts: Plant Granny

Jacob Paulette: Cat Ladies Card Game

Darren & Linda Holliday: Well Waterboy



Following the main event we will host a Business Mix & Mingle. Come network with other like-minded entrepreneurs and enjoy free samples from: McCullough House Winery, Ray Ray's Smokehouse BBQ, Ozark Pizza Company and Hero's Coffee. 




Thank you EPIC Sponsors
Community First Banking Company, Restoring Hope LLC, West Plains Bank and Trust Company, Donahue Roofing, Inc., Welch, Couch & Company PA, John Perkins - Inspire Capital Corporation, John Coleman - Kemmons Insurance, David Thomas - Shelter Insurance, Grisham Properties, Ray & Fisher Law Office and Wiles Law Firm LLC.


Still 2 Days left to Attend the Supervisory Certificate Series


The feedback has been outstanding!  100% of the attendees would recommend this workshop to others.  Invest in the managers you need!
Pictured above: Our supervisors doing a team building exercise during training.


Day 3: Motivating Employees, April 13

Motivated employees exhibit a willingness to take on responsibilities, hold themselves accountable for their performance, and in turn, increase their own job satisfaction. This workshop will explore the topic of employee motivation and why the carrot and stick approach to energizing your employees just doesn't work. Learn what you can do to create a work environment of motivated employees who consistently demonstrates a willingness to perform and achieve results.



Day 4: Guiding Conflict Resolution, April 20

In the workplace, even healthy differences can escalate into conflict. Addressing conflict quickly and effectively is a crucial supervisory skill. This session enables you to recognize the signs that conflict exists, assess each conflict situation, and serve as a catalyst to encourage those involved to achieve resolution.



Day 4: Project Management, April 20

As organizations continually change to meet the demands of their customers, new projects must be planned and executed. This workshop provides a basic overview of project management. Participants will learn the skills required to be a good project manager and tools to help you plan and implement new projects. Additionally, you will explore the project management life-cycle and a group simulation of the four phases of project management.



The cost for a full-day session or two half day sessions of your choice is $195 or $165 for OzSBI members; or one half day session of your choice for $145 or $125 for OzSBI members.  Enrollment in the series can be done online at www.ozsbi.com or by calling 417-256-9724. The deadline to register is Tuesday, April 12, 2016. Seating is limited and going fast so call to reserve your spot today.
USDA Funds to Strengthen Rural Manufacturers



USDA Rural Development State Director Janie Dunning announced a Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) of $24,000 to Downtown West Plains, Inc. The funds will be used to assist the Ozarks Small Business Incubator (OzSBI) in providing professional mentoring and technical assistance to area manufacturers and machining shops.   



"Both these industries are very essential to the economy. Not only do they cause economic growth, but these industries create jobs and increase productivity in rural areas," said Dunning. "Ozarks Small Business Incubator understands that rural manufacturers need all the training, mentoring and technical assistance they need to expand their knowledge and skills of these industries. In turn, the development and training through OzSBI will create jobs and enhance growth for the area."



OzSBI has surveryed 32 machine shops and manufactures in its seven county service area since December 2015.  It plans to assess the needs of 50 more manufactures over the next 7 months.  OzSBI will offer specialized training, mentoring, and quarterly roundtables to expand the business knowledge and skills of these manufactures. This expanded understanding is designed to encourage growth, success and profitability.
Lunch & Learn

Lunch & Learns are free and open to the public.




Managing Your Cash Flow Thursday, April 28th 12pm FREE


Discuss the various ways a business is able to take funds for goods and services provided to their customer base and the many possibilities of making payment for the goods and services they purchase from their vendors. 


Lead Generation  Thursday, May 19th 12pm FREE


Discover where to get leads and how many can be converted into customers. Bring your lunch.




Professional Workshops 




Stop managing and start leading to improve the productivity of your employees and be a part of your organization's future. 4 day series with multiple topics.
Date: Wednesday, April 13th, and 20th
Time: 9-4 p.m.
Cost: Inquire for Price


 
Learn how to protect your patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights. 

Date: Tuesday, April 12th
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: $35/$20




Good customer service is a business's lifeblood. Learn tips and tricks for building repeat business.    
Date: Thursday, May 26th
Time: 1-4 p.m.
Cost: $35/$20
Thank You Champion Members!

Ozarks Small Business Incubator | 417.256.9724 | [email protected] | www.ozsbi.com

STAY CONNECTED:



Ozarks Small Business Incubator | 408 Washington Ave | PO Box 1194 | West Plains | MO | 65775