Dr. Adrienne B. Haynes, Esq.
Contributor

We are fortunate to live in a state that values entrepreneurship and providing aspiring and existing owners with resources and education. 

For business owners in the Northeast, you can find resources through the Northeast Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, KCSourceLink, and the Mid-Continent Public Library, to name a few. You can also tap into virtual resources available to owners across the state through the 

Show-Me Network, an initiative of Missouri State University’s efactory and codefi. This recently launched statewide network of regional and community connectors and training partners connects entrepreneurs, innovators, and small businesses with the resources, training, and funding they need.

During the week of May 4-8, Show-Me Network Week will offer a curated schedule of more than 20 events, with a mix of in person and virtual sessions being offered. Springfield, Missouri was selected as the host city for the national kickoff for America’s Route 66 Centennial Celebration and the “Historic Route to Innovation” captures strategies and resources that cultivate the entrepreneurial spirit that continues to drive new generations of innovators forward across our state. The week-long celebration kicks off on Monday, May 4^th with an in-person event at efactory in Springfield. The sessions that follow offer insights for all, from retail businesses to technology companies. 

SEED Law will be hosting a virtual business law workshop as a part of this weeklong celebration., Recruiting and Hiring Considerations, will be hosted virtually on Wednesday, May 6^th from 12-1 pm. Building a dream team in your business requires a multitude of strategies to build a competitive employment package, including policies, procedures, and legal compliance. This session will provide owners with a legal perspective on ten considerations to plan for when recruiting, hiring, and firing. To register for free and see the full list of virtual and in person events through the end of the year, please visit https://showmenetwork.org/calendar/

The MoWest Small Business Forum will take place in St. Joseph on Wednesday, May 7^th, where business owners can strengthen financial knowledge, connect with local lenders, and learn about valuable business resources. Participants will receive hands-on training in QuickBooks, gain insights during a live Q&A with local bankers and lenders, and discover the support available through the Missouri SBDC at MoWest.

The week will conclude with statewide “Free Coworking Friday” on Friday, May 8^th. There will be free coworking available in Cape Girardeau, Joplin, Monett, Springfield, St. Joseph, and West Plains. If you’ll be coworking in Kansas City, let us know! 

As a reminder, there are in-person and virtual business education classes offered each month from SEED Law, RubinBrown, Justine PETERSEN and other statewide resource partners. To register for free and see the full list of virtual and in person events, please visit https://showmenetwork.org/calendar/

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Thanks for reading!

My name is Dr. Adrienne B. Haynes and I’m an entrepreneur and attorney based here in Kansas City. My law firm, SEED Law, has been partnering with business owners across the Northeast and the city for almost 11 years. I loved living in the Northeast and I was fortunate to serve as an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Kauffman Foundation in 2017. Together with a dedicated group of Northeast residents and leaders, we explored a community designed innovation district pilot program. I was able to present this work during a TEDxUMKC Talk on Community Innovation Design in 2020.

Over the next few weeks, I’ll be contributing articles and resources on small business and estate planning legal considerations. If you have questions, please reach out directly at adrienne@seed.legal.