The Center for Entrepreneurship in the Craig School of Business and Technology celebrated its fifth anniversary this year. Since it opened, the Center has worked with more than 580 entrepreneurs, created 242 new jobs, retained 125 jobs and made an economic impact of more than $25 million.
“I am so grateful that the Craig School of Business realized the importance and impact that entrepreneurs make on our community,” said Annette Weeks ’87, CFE director.
The CFE trains, mentors and supports business owners and entrepreneurs in the St. Joseph region and beyond. Faculty and students in the Craig School of Business serve as a resource for its clients, including helping to create marketing plans and ad campaigns. All services are free and confidential.
In addition to one-on-one mentoring with business owners, the CFE created Entrepreneurship Week, a weeklong series of workshops. The fourth annual event in March 2019 attracted more than 1,000 participants.
“I’m proud that we have helped people achieve their dreams of starting or growing their own business. We have also kept longtime businesses open and serving our community by connecting new entrepreneurs with established businesses whose owners were ready to transition,” Weeks said.
She has served as the Center’s director since it opened in 2014.
To contact the Center for Entrepreneurship, call (816) 271-4283 or email Weeks at aweeks@missouriwestern.edu. Visit the Center online at csb-cfe.missouriwestern.edu.