Missouri State’s efactory awarded $500K to expand real-world entrepreneurial student experience opportunities

SPRINGFIELD – Attaining practical experience and real-world learning provides the foundation for a strong career. It’s one of the reasons that Missouri State University’s efactory and Codefi partnered together to create the Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO).  

Last week, Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) announced the recipients of more than $3 million in grant funding through the Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity (MOBEC) program. As part of that, efactory was awarded $500,000 over the next three years.   

“MTC has been critical to our success, the growth of our programs and the services we’re able to provide to entrepreneurs and job creators,” said Rachel Anderson, Executive Director, efactory at Missouri State. “This grant award will help us roll out even more entrepreneurial training programs, open doors to real-world learning opportunities and help fill the talent pipeline.” 

Improving student experiences  

The focus of MTC’s MOBEC grant program is to fund organizations and programs that are in line with the recommendations and strategies set forth in the Catalyzing Innovation Report.  

According to the Executive Director of MTC, Jack Scatizzi, “The MOBEC Grant Program represents our commitment to catalyzing innovation and expanding the entrepreneurial capacity within our state. By strategically investing in entrepreneur support organizations, we aim to ensure entrepreneurs have access to the necessary resources and guidance to grow their businesses in Missouri.” 

Scatizzi further added, “We are excited to provide funding to support a new student-focused training program being launched through efactory.” 

The funding will be used to expand academic course projects and innovative partnership opportunities connecting Missouri State University students with entrepreneurs and employers.   

It will also allow for the expansion of Codefi’s Lead Labs program throughout the Southern Missouri Innovation Network.   

“One of the biggest challenges high-growth tech startups face is gaining and accelerating traction in customer acquisition,” said Dr. James Stapleton, Codefi’s President & CEO. “Codefi’s Lead Labs program provides training to university student interns to prospect and qualify B2B leads for startups in our programs. Not only do the students learn valuable transferable skills, but they also help local early-stage companies accelerate their growth toward success.” 

“In my role with Springfield Innovation, Inc., I see firsthand the work efactory does, but I’m especially excited by them expanding their reach across the region through Innovate SOMO,” said Dan Cobb, board chair for Springfield Innovation, Inc.  “Their proven track record and the innovative approach of the network make it a great fit for the MOBEC award.”