The Intersection of Talent, Ideas, and Resources on Main Street for Entrepreneurial Success

When someone walks into your downtown with a great business idea, does your community know what to do next? Entrepreneurial ecosystems can thrive anywhere when the right pieces are in place. Successful entrepreneurs rarely do it alone. They need talent, ideas, relationships, information, and resources, and strong communities help connect those pieces so entrepreneurs can move forward and grow.

That is where Main Street can play an important role. Join us in Cape Girardeau to learn from experts how your Main Street program can help create a stronger environment for entrepreneurs and small businesses. Together, we’ll explore how to recognize the talent and resources your community already has, identify what may be missing, strengthen local partnerships, and better connect entrepreneurs with the people and resources they need.

Speakers:

Dr. Ashley Allen-Brown, University of Missouri Extension Office Dr. Ashley Allen-Brown is an educator, facilitator, and organizational leadership practitioner with more than 30 years of experience helping individuals, organizations, and communities turn insight into action and alignment into impact. Holding a Doctorate in Education with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership, Ashley designs engaging learning experiences that strengthen leadership capacity, foster collaboration, and support meaningful, sustainable change. Drawing on experience across both the public and private sectors, she bridges research, strategy, and practice to help people navigate complexity, communicate value, and achieve shared outcomes.

Dr. James Stapleton, Founder and CEO, CODEFI Dr. Stapleton is a nationally recognized leader in entrepreneurship and innovation. He is a technology entrepreneur, startup coach, investor, and regional ecosystem developer dedicated to fostering economic opportunity. He recently founded an innovative venture philanthropy fund that blends charitable contributions with venture capital to support emerging, job-creating businesses in southern Missouri.

Registration:

• $150 for Missouri Main Street Investors. After October 21st at 11:59 PM, add $50.
• $250 for Noninvestors. After October 21st at 11:59 PM, add $50.

Networking Dinner: Join MMSC for a networking dinner the night before the workshop and mingle with attendees. This networking dinner is taking place in Cape Girardeau on November 4th and starts at 6:30pm. You must register to attend. Once you have registered, you will receive the networking dinner location in your confirmation email.

Hotel Recommendations:

Courtyard by Marriott

400 Broadway Street

Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Room Rate: $130 per night

Book your group rate for Missouri Main Street Connections

Cancellation Policy: All cancellations for workshop registration must be submitted in writing through the Cancellation Form. Cancellations received before October 21, 2026, at 11:59 pm, will receive a 50-percent refund. Cancellations received after October 28, 2026, at 11:59 pm, 2026, will not receive a refund. A $35 administrative fee will be applied to refunds or cancellations.

This workshop is brought to you by:

The quarterly workshop training is a private and public partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Main Street America, USDA Rural Development, and MMSC.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.