As winter settles in and the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to share a glimpse of the progress at Show Me Christian County. Our team is currently managing 19 active projects, including 15 in development (with 2 new additions) and 4 announced. This year, we’ve also welcomed 16 project leads, with 7 fresh opportunities on the horizon, alongside exploring 5 state-level opportunities since FY2025 began.

We’re grateful for the partnerships and collaborations that drive growth across Christian County. Wishing you and your loved ones a warm and joyful holiday season—we look forward to all we’ll achieve together in 2025!

Ozark

The City of Ozark has engaged the legal firm Gilmore & Bell to assist in evaluating economic development incentive proposals from developers. This collaboration aims to ensure that all proposals align with the city's growth objectives and comply with relevant policies. Gilmore & Bell specializes in public finance and economic development, providing expertise in areas such as tax increment financing and special taxing districts. Their involvement is expected to enhance the city's ability to effectively assess and implement development initiatives. Read the BOA agreement.

Nixa

Nixa Utilities' Sewer Department is approaching the end of the design phase for the West Regional Lift Station, a project that will increase sewer capacity for the city’s western areas. In the interim, all development activities in this region have been paused due to the lack of sewer availability. To address immediate development needs, city staff has proposed a temporary solution allowing holding tanks under specific conditions until the new lift station becomes operational. Read the council bill amendments.

SMCC Board Meeting

The next investor-only board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Nixa City Hall.

Be sure to mark your calendars. We look forward to seeing you there!

First Tuesday Meeting

Investors, mark your calendars for our next First Tuesday meeting on January 7th, 2024, at Nixa City Hall. This session will feature an insightful discussion on Energy Providers' Perspective on Economic Development. Your presence and input are valued. To invite a guest, please contact SMCC.

Show Me Christian County is thrilled to welcome KCI Construction as our newest investor! Their commitment to the growth and prosperity of our region underscores the importance of collaborative partnerships in driving economic opportunity. Partnerships like these are essential to shaping a bright future and driving positive change in Southwest Missouri.

Winter holiday spending is projected to increase by 2.5% to 3.5% over 2023, reaching an estimated $979.5 billion to $989 billion for November and December, up from $955.6 billion last year (source: National Retail Federation).

The first round of subgrantee selection for Missouri's Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program officially opened on December 5, 2024. This program, part of the federal Infrastructure, Investment, and Jobs Act (IIJA), represents a critical step in the state’s effort to expand broadband access and digital equity. Applicants are encouraged to review the Round 1 grant guidelines, which detail the interpretation and application of Missouri's approved Initial Proposal for BEAD funding.

The BEAD program is part of Missouri’s broader Connecting All Missourians initiative, which includes an extensive public engagement process to inform plans for spending more than $1.7 billion on broadband deployment and over $20 million to address non-infrastructure barriers to digital access under the Digital Equity Act (DEA) and BEAD programs.

Key Dates:

• July 3, 2024 - February 5, 2025: BEAD Pre-Qualification Application period
• December 5, 2024 - February 20, 2025: BEAD Scoring Round 1
• February 21, 2025 - March 23, 2025: BEAD Scoring Sub-round
• February 21, 2025 - April 21, 2025: Best and Final Offer (BAFO) periods
• April 22, 2025 (estimated): Round 1 Determinations

Resources for Applicants:

• Grant guidelines and application principles
• OBD’s "Guide to Apply" and mapping data
• November 22 Broadband Stakeholder Update with an application walkthrough

For questions or support, contact broadband@ded.mo.gov or 573-526-1028.

CY2025 Youth Opportunities Program

(YOP) Overview

The Youth Opportunities Program aims to expand and enhance opportunities for youth to positively develop and participate in community life, while discouraging criminal and violent behavior.

Application Cycle:

• Opens: December 11, 2024
• Closes: January 24, 2025

Virtual Application Workshop:

• Date: Tuesday, December 17, 2024
• Time: 1–3 p.m.
• This workshop will provide nonprofits with guidance on program eligibility, tax credits, eligible project types and costs, and crafting a strong application. Attendance is encouraged for those interested in applying.
• Register for the workshop here.

Boost grant writing skills through a 7-module series with practical assignments, real-time feedback, and expert consulting!

Topics include: Getting Started, Data Deep Dive, Award-Winning Narratives, Budgeting, Evaluation, and more!

Led by: Heather Zoromski, Certified Grant Writer & Executive Director, Darr Family Foundation

Dates: 📅 Feb 12 | 📅 Mar 12 | 📅 Apr 9 | 📅 May 14 | 9 AM - Noon

Location: Nixa Chamber of Commerce, 902 W. Mt. Vernon, Nixa, MO

Register Now!

eFactory is a trusted resource for businesses and entrepreneurs across southern Missouri. With a range of programs tailored to the needs of both startups and established employers, eFactory offers direct support, expert guidance, and solutions to workforce challenges—helping businesses at every stage achieve their goals.

Early-Stage Business Boot Camp

The Early-Stage Business Boot Camp is returning virtually in the new year! Registration is now open, and sessions will be held from Jan. 14 to Feb. 6.

This boot camp offers an excellent opportunity for small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to:

• Build a strong network
• Connect to regional resources
• Hear insights from entrepreneurs and guest speakers
• Learn best practices and develop actionable plans
• Explore essential business topics

Elevate

A Missouri SBDC program in partnership with the Edward Lowe Foundation, Elevate supports CEOs and business leaders looking to expand their networks and access expert consultants. Participants benefit from tailored guidance through the System for Integrated Growth® (SIG), opportunities to reach new markets, and regularly scheduled PeerSpectives® roundtables for collaborative learning. This program provides a confidential space for sharing insights, gaining fresh perspectives, and addressing pressing business challenges with support from experienced facilitators.

Set up a meeting here.

Pilot Program Provides Exciting Opportunities

A new internship program launching in January 2025 offers Missouri State University students a chance to work with seasoned entrepreneurs in a startup setting. This hands-on experience is made possible by the Missouri Technology Corporation and the Hatch Foundation.

Learn more here.

SCORE offers free expert mentoring and resources to help small businesses succeed, providing valuable guidance in areas like planning, marketing, and finance. They are an essential resource for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Learn more about the Southwest Missouri branch and how they can help here.

We are thankful to the Nixa Community Foundation for awarding Show Me Christian County grant funds to support community betterment and beautification projects in Nixa.

Explore Christian County is growing, and so are our social media pages! Stay connected and follow us to discover local events and attractions. Let’s explore together!

Think you know your economic development? Put your knowledge to the test with our fun, Jeopardy-themed trivia! It's a quick and engaging way to challenge yourself and maybe even learn something new.

The NRF estimates this percentage of holiday shopping is influenced by digital interactions, even if the purchase happens in-store.