2025 Missouri Women's Business Center Impact Report

IMPACT REPORT 2025

Celebrating 10 Years of Unlocking Potential

From the Director’s Desk

Jayme Prenger, ASBC® Director

As we reflect on 2025, I am proud of what we have accomplished together at the Missouri Women’s Business Center. This year reaffirmed a simple truth: When entrepreneurs are supported with the right tools, guidance, and encouragement, they strengthen not only their businesses, but their families, communities, and Missouri’s economy as a whole.

Throughout the year, we supported entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey. From idea development to business growth, our clients demonstrated resilience, creativity, and determination in the face of an evolving economic landscape. In response, our team remained focused on meeting entrepreneurs where they are, removing barriers to access, and delivering practical, high-quality assistance.

In 2025, our programs emphasized strong business foundations, long-term sustainability, and strategic growth. Through individualized coaching, targeted training, and partnerships across the state, we helped entrepreneurs gain clarity, confidence, and momentum. We continued to prioritize inclusive access to services, ensuring that entrepreneurs from under-served and underrepresented communities had the opportunity to build and grow successful businesses.

We also expanded our statewide leadership through Missouri Women in Business Advocacy Day, a growing annual initiative designed to elevate the importance of women in business across Missouri. Advocacy Day brings together entrepreneurs, partners, and community leaders to amplify women’s voices, celebrate their contributions, and foster greater awareness of the challenges and opportunities facing women in business.

We also made important investments to ensure our clients receive guidance aligned with the highest standards. Two Missouri Women’s Business Center coaches earned the designation of Accredited Small Business Consultant® through the International Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants® (AASBC), the premier international body providing training and certification for small business and SME consultants.

Our impact would not be possible without the dedication of our staff, the trust of our clients, and the suppor t that surrounds this work. We are deeply thankful for the guidance of our Advisory Board and for our strong partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Together with our funders and community partners, we are building an ecosystem where small businesses are a driving force in Missouri’s economic future.

As you review this Impact Report, you will find stories of perseverance, innovation, and success—each representing more than a statistic, but livelihoods strengthened and communities made more resilient.

Thank you for your continued belief in our mission. We look forward to expanding our impact and deepening our partnerships in the year ahead.

Grateful for your continued partnership,

2025 Awards

CLIENT OF THE YEAR: Ranjana Hans

Ranjana Hans has dedicated her life to learning the benefits of medicinal herbs. When she decided to share those benefits with others, the Missouri Women’s Business Center helped turned her dreams into a reality. For six years, Ranjana has built her business from the ground up, and today her business Raw Roots Turmeric is thriving. Ranjana has worked hard with her business coaches from the beginning. She explored ongoing business funding opportunities with the MoWBC and won pitch competitions with the help of her coach. Today, she has expanded her business to a 10-acre farm and sells her products in a variety of places, including The Shops at Sharp End. She remains a staunch advocate for the MoWBC and is a frequent attendee at Advocacy Day, Women Who Own It, and other MoWBC events.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: Sarah Jane Shorthose

Sarah Jane Shorthose, owner of Sarah Jane Photography, is always ready to support MoWBC with her top-notch photography skills or with a connection for MoWBC clients. She has served as a photography sponsor for Women Who Own It and other events, capturing the emotion and elegance of the night. She has presented at Caffeinated Minds, our weekly professional development networking meetings on the importance of brand identity as well as tips and tricks for marketing. Sarah is a community builder, helping MoWBC clients build connections to resources that can help them personally and professionally. She has led classes at The Shops at Sharp End and offered WBC clients discounts to her workshops and retreats. Her business is based in Columbia, MO, and promotes MoWBC services to any small business she meets.

PARTNER OF THE YEAR: U.S. Bank

U.S. Bank is a valued and longstanding financial partner of MoWBC. Since 2022, the organization has contributed nearly $100,000 through grants and donations. U.S. Bank has also sponsored key events, including our annual Women Who Own It Awards. This ongoing partnership allows MoWBC to deliver services to clients statewide at little to no cost. Additionally, U.S. Bank staff member Amy Courtney has joined the MoWBC Advisory Board. We sincerely appreciate U.S. Bank’s continued support.

Childcare Business Cohort

Childcare continues to be a critical challenge in Missouri, particularly as providers face significant delays in state subsidy payments. In 2025, over 1,700 providers experienced financial instability due to these delayed funds. The Missouri Women’s Business Center is committed to helping address this issue. Our Childcare Business Cohort supports providers in establishing and growing their businesses, while also offering DESE-approved continuing education designed to promote long-term financial stability for childcare small business owners.

ESCUELITA ALEGRIA OPENS DOORS

JoAnn Shull was part of a small group of volunteers who hoped to address the need for childcare by opening a Spanish immersion preschool for children, ages 2-5, but these volunteers were overwhelmed with where to start.

“We knew we needed connections, but we didn’t know who to talk to,” JoAnn says.

That’s when they made connections with MoWBC through a Chamber event. By participating in the Childcare Business Cohort, Shull and her peers learned the ins and outs of a childcare business, including the complicated licensure process. With a grant from MoWBC, the team was able to purchase all of the markers, crayons, paper, and other consumables needed to obtain licensure. They officially opened their doors in November 2024.

Today, the preschool has grown to 17 students with a goal of growing to 50 students over the next few years.

Nonprofit Cohort

In 2025, we partnered with Partner for Better, a Columbia nonprofit that offers comprehensive services designed to empower nonprofits, and created our Nonprofit Cohort. This incredible group of leaders gathered over six months to collaborate, support each other, and create a space for the open and honest conversations about the challenges they face.

Through sharing valuable insights, learning from one another, and discovering new opportunities that could strengthen their organizations, the cohort participants in this cohort laid the groundwork for their nonprofits, learning how to properly establish a 501(c)3, recruit a board of directors, and develop fundraising strategies.

Missouri Women in Business Advocacy Day

Our annual Women in Business Advocacy Day serves as a vital opportunity for female leaders across all industries, as well as small business owners, to convene and make their voices heard at the state Capitol. In 2025, we held our third annual Women in Advocacy Day, which marked our largest attendance to date.

Participants heard from distinguished leaders, including Governor Mike Kehoe and Kara Corches, President and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Attendees were formally recognized on the House floor by Representative Kathy Steinhoff and engaged with elected officials from across Missouri to discuss the critical importance of supporting small businesses and advancing women in business, particularly through initiatives related to childcare.

For the second consecutive year, Central Bank sponsored Advocacy Day, providing lunch and facilitating meaningful dialogue among attendees. Andi Craig, Vice President of Business Banking at Central Bank, noted that their sponsorship reflects the organization’s commitment to recognizing the contributions of women in business, including their own employees, while celebrating Women’s History Month.

143% increase in attendees advocating for women in business and small businesses

Through MoWBC I’ve met people who give motivation and perseverance to keep going. Through Advocacy Day, attendees are going to see how big their support system is and how many resources they have, whether that’s the bank, the MoWBC, Chamber connections, or fellow entrepreneurs.

Capital Access Program

Launched in 2024, our Capital Access Program has quickly become a trusted partner for local businesses across our service area. We expand access to capital for entrepreneurs who may not qualify for traditional financing, helping them start and grow with financial confidence.

Comprehensive business financial coaching is at the heart of the program. We work closely with clients to build a strong foundation before launch, setting the stage for long-term success. Clients also collaborate with a business coach to develop a detailed business plan using LivePlan, provided at no cost to clients. This process includes the financial forecasting required to access capital and support sustainable growth.

Participants gain practical knowledge and funding access through several key tools:

• Make Me Bankable — pairs business and personal financial coaching in partnership CMCA’s Financial Opportunity Center® to move entrepreneurs through the process of strengthening their personal financial situation, helping them to understand how they impact their business credibility and growth.

• Microlending — a CD-secured loaned through a local bank, where MoWBC is able to provide capital to secure the loans. Through our Capital Access program, we can offer microloans up to $25,000.

• Traditional Loans — Our MoWBC helps make connections for our clients to work with a local financial institution in order to secure traditional funding.

• KIVA —As a KIVA trustee, we coach our clients in applying for and paying back their KIVA loans.

Capital Access Success Story

Killion Hardesty, co-founder of Kaged Heat, worked with our Capital Access Program to secure crucial funding that launched their hot sauce operation.

“We had to purchase a few pieces of equipment and had a couple of permits we needed to get before we could even set foot into a kitchen,” he says. “If I didn’t have the loan, then this dream may have sputtered out. However, I had poured so much energy and effort into everything that I wouldn’t let lack of funding stop me. The MoWBC team saw that I think, and jumped in to make sure I was getting what I needed.”

Through the program, Killion worked with coaches to write a business plan, complete budget planning and do marketing planning. The process was thorough and detailed, ensuring Killion entered it with a clear understanding of his business goals. He then presented to the Loan Review Committee, and the loan was approved.

With their loan, Killion and his co-founder Gage, were able to really scale their operations into a business, purchasing equipment like an immersion blender that was crucial to their process. They obtained operating permits that allowed them to make hot sauce at CoMo Cooks Shared Kitchen. Going through the microloan process had an added benefit — belief and confidence in their dream!

“The process made me speak my idea out load to a bunch of people,” Killion says. “I feel like so many ideas die in the dark or just never get out in the open. Once I started talking about the idea first to family and then to serious partners like the MoWBC and the bank, it really solidified the idea into reality. No one ever said it was a bad idea, so the excitement and encouragement carried the idea to fruition. And here we are now, 10 flavors later, still plugging away.”

Kauffman FastTrac Business Academy

“I am the cycle breaker in my family.” - Toby Keener, owner of TNT Devine.

It is that drive that pushed her to start her business that provides farm-fresh, delicious food to her customers. When she decided to move from a side hustle to a true business, Toby knew she needed help getting started. Through the Missouri Women’s Business Center, she learned of the opportunity to enroll in the Kauffman FastTrac Business Academy program. Throughout the program, she and her fellow cohort members worked diligently to learn what it takes to launch, grow, and sustain a successful business. They refined their business models, learned how to market their business, and studied how to navigate challenges their businesses may face.

“FastTrac helped me look at things about my business that I hadn’t looked at before,” Toby says. “It helped me take command of my business and set things like offerings and pricings. It taught me how to represent my business and to understand that I am moving with a lot of powerful women.”

By completing FastTrac, Toby validated her business concept and gained the clarity, strategy, and confidence needed to move forward with intention and build momentum beyond graduation. Toby has continued to grow her business, in part because of the empowerment she receives from MoWBC. The MoWBC even hired her to cater our Global Entrepreneurship Week event. Toby shared how grateful she is for the continued support.

“When things come up that I need to think through or decide, I can contact the MoWBC staff and run things by them,” Toby says. “I love the fact that our relationship continues. I am blessed to be part of MoWBC.”

Three of our coaches are now Certified FastTrac Facilitators through the Kauffman Foundation’s FastTrac program. This certification means they are trained to deliver nationally recognized, research-backed curriculum designed to help entrepreneurs refine their business concepts, strengthen financial projections, and build sustainable growth strategies.

As Certified FastTrac Facilitators, they bring structured tools, proven frameworks, and expert guidance to support clients at every stage of their entrepreneurial journey. The Missouri Women’s Business Center is proud to be the only FastTrac Affiliate in Central Missouri, expanding access to high-quality entrepreneurial education and strengthening our region’s small business ecosystem.

The Shops at Sharp End

The Shops at Sharp End Success Story

In 2025, Molly West of FudgeBrand, an original participant from 2023, returned to The Shops at Sharp End, having experienced firsthand the impact the program had on her business and her ability to scale her products in a retail environment. Both Molly and The Shops were eager for her return, and her presence has brought renewed energy and excitement to the space.

Molly’s latest product lineup highlights creativity, customization, and craftsmanship. Known for her hands-on approach and meticulous attention to detail, FudgeBrand continues to expand its offerings, providing customers with more opportunities to personalize items for their homes, businesses, and everyday use. Her latest additions include custom doormats and other unique products.

Additionally, Molly participated in The Shops at Sharp End’s social media pitch competition, sponsored by The District CID, where she earned funds to promote her products across her social media channels, further amplifying her brand’s reach.

SBA Awards

In May, MoWBC hosted the U.S. Small Business Administration St. Louis District Awards Ceremony at The Shops at Sharp End. SBA Regional Administrator Brad Zaun honored three incredible Missouri-based businesses with awards that highlighted their dedication, creativity, and impact on their community:

• Family-Owned Small Business Award

Casey and Lydia Clatt, Hopkins Lumber Company

• Rural-Owned Small Business Award

Beth Snyder, Call Me Liz/Handker Bandanas

• Women-Owned Small Business Award

Michele La Fata, Pasta La Fata

Women Who Own It Awards

Callaway County Awardee

Though she grew up in the sawmill industry, Lynn never expected to follow her father’s footsteps. After graduating high school, she earned degrees in Fashion Design and Business from Stephens College. Lynn moved to New York City to pursue fashion but soon returned to Missouri when the log home industry began booming.

In 1977, Gastineau Log Homes opened for business. The company sold 26 homes its first year and added a new manufacturing line by 1980. Featuring Oak logs—unique in the industry—Gastineau became known as “the Oak log home company” and is now the world’s largest manufacturer. Lynn is the only woman to start a log home manufacturing company.

2025 Award Recipients

Audrain County: Kaitlyn Camp, Kaitlyn’s Cleaning Services, LLC

Boone County: Kasey Hammock, Partner for Better

Callaway County: Lynn Gastineau, Gastineau Log Homes

Cole County: Andii Kreek Irwin, Little Leaf Essentials: Plant Shop & More

Cooper County: Kim Brady, Kim A. Brady Realtor

Howard County: Kiersten O’Dell, Market Street Floral

Moniteau County: Dr. Kennedy Juul, Juul Spine and Sport

Osage County: Denise Coots, Freestyle Form and Fitness

Global Entrepreneurship Week

Missouri Women’s Business Center brought a global initiative to Central Missouri this year! Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) is a worldwide movement each November that celebrates innovators, founders, and job creators through a network of local, national, and global activities, aiming to inspire more people to start businesses and foster innovation across the world. Recognizing there was no event in Central Missouri, MoWBC Operations Administrator Abigail Beeler became the local community organizer. MoWBC’s inaugural GEW event was held on International Women in Entrepreneurship Day and featured a full-day of seminars, panels, and networking.

The Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship at Columbia College was a vital partner for this inaugural event. We are excited to expand the partnership, and the GEW event in Central Missouri in 2026, and we believe this year was a successful launching point.

“GEW brings visibility and attention to Columbia and the resources of a forwardleaning entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Dr. Scott Zimmerman, Director, Fishman Center for Entrepreneurship. “We have great partnerships here in Central Missouri that offer resources for businesses, and we are going to capitalize on that.”

During our inaugural Global Entrepreneurship Week event, local women business leaders offered useful insights for strategy and community building:

• Megan Walters, founder and team lead, The Walters Team, eXp Realty, and co-owner of JAM Investments

• Krista Kippenberger, owner of Focus on Health, founder of Envision Retreat, and a Shelter Insurance agent

• Kasey Hammock, founder of Partner for Better and University of Missouri adjunct professor

• Adonica Coleman, founder of CoMo 411, host of The Daily Blend, and executive director of Day Dreams Foundation

STATS

$2.7 trillion 152

Women-owned businesses generate $2.7 trillion in revenue across the United States, yet only 2.7% of all U.S. companies receiving venture capital funding have a woman CEO

7 of 10

Small business owners report that business coaching increases their success, and women-owned businesses are the fastest-growing segment of the small business community

The U.S. Small Business Administration launched the Women’s Business Center (WBC) program in 1988, and today there are 152 Women’s Business Centers operating nationwide to support women entrepreneurs.

133,000

Women-owned businesses throughout the state, totaling 42% of all businesses

2,818

In our 10-year history, MoWBC has helped 2,818 clients

Sources:

8.7

Women-owned businesses in Missouri employ an average of 8 7 employees

$8.5 million

As of today, MoWBC has helped businesses obtain more than $8.5 million in capital.

U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business & Entrepreneurship

Institute of Coaching Small Business Administration

175

Throughout our 10-year history, we have helped launch 175 new businesses, fostering economic development throughout mid-Missouri

Amy

Liquid

Stephanie

Ellinger