Preparing Citizen Bears For The World
In 2020, the efactory at the Robert W. Plaster Free Enterprise Center helped more than 25 new businesses get started. They helped the companies create more than 280 new jobs and secure more than $17 million in capital and equity.
New businesses
25
25 new businesses were formed in 2020.
New jobs
280
280 new jobs were created in 2020.
Capital and equity
$17 million+
More than $17 million in capital and equity was secured in 2020.
Jordan Valley Innovation Center (JVIC)
JVIC is a university-private sector research, development and commercialization model that focuses on product development, research and educational opportunities. The facility focuses on collaboration with affiliates on new technologies and accelerating them to viable markets. This helps accelerate new product development and integration of technologies.
University, public and private collaboration will continue to drive downtown development
Missouri State University will continue to be an integral part of downtown development. The university will leverage public and private funds to expand JVIC and the Plaster Center. JVIC expansion will allow for continued growth of the center’s research programs and affiliates. Plaster Center expansion will allow for an increase in start-up services offered in central Springfield. The growth of these two facilities will bring new businesses to the community and will allow many entrepreneurs to start their own new businesses.
These additions are part of a larger project that also includes a new office building, green space, gathering areas and a parking structure. Daylighting Jordan Creek will create a park-like area to tie all the projects together.
Student Entrepreneurial Grants will also allow students to work with coaches at the efactory to launch new businesses.