From Bass Pro to Your Big Idea: Why Springfield, Missouri, is an Entrepreneur’s Dream
In the heart of the Ozarks lies a city with a start-up spirit woven into its very fabric. Springfield, Missouri, isn’t just a place where businesses happen to exist—it’s a community where they’re born, nurtured, and flourish. If you’re considering where to plant the seeds of your next big idea, Springfield offers fertile ground with a unique blend of resources, affordability, and community support that entrepreneurs crave.
A Legacy of Homegrown Success
Springfield’s entrepreneurial legacy speaks for itself. Bass Pro Shops, now an international outdoor retail giant, began here in 1972 when Johnny Morris started selling fishing tackle in his father’s liquor store. O’Reilly Auto Parts, with thousands of locations nationwide, began as a single Springfield store in 1957. And Jack Henry & Associates, a leading provider of technology solutions for financial institutions, started in a spare room with a handful of people and grew into a billion-dollar enterprise.
These success stories aren’t ancient history or mere luck — they represent Springfield’s enduring capacity to nurture visionaries who think big.
Springfield is One of the Best Cities for Entrepreneurs
What makes Springfield special for startups and small businesses? Several factors create the perfect storm of opportunity:
Affordability That Enables Risk-Taking: With a cost of living approximately 19% below the national average, entrepreneurs can stretch their startup capital further. Lower commercial real estate costs, reasonable wages, and affordable housing mean you can bootstrap longer and reinvest more in growth rather than mere survival.
Strategic Location: Springfield’s central U.S. position provides logistical advantages for businesses serving national markets. Plus, with Springfield-Branson National Airport offering daily flights to major hubs like Chicago, Dallas, Denver, and Atlanta, you’re never far from important meetings or markets.
Education Pipeline: With Missouri State University, Drury University, Evangel University, and Ozarks Technical Community College in town, entrepreneurs have access to a steady stream of talented graduates and opportunities for research partnerships.
Collaborative Culture: Perhaps most importantly, Springfield maintains a “rising tide lifts all boats” mentality. Seasoned entrepreneurs regularly mentor newcomers, and the business community celebrates collective success.
Resources That Make the Difference
Springfield doesn’t just hope entrepreneurs succeed—it actively invests in their success through several key resources:
The efactory: This business incubator at Missouri State University offers coworking space, private offices, mentorship programs, and access to capital. Their accelerator program provides selected startups with funding, intensive mentoring, and connections to potential investors.
Small Business Development Center: Located within the efactory, the SBDC offers free business consulting, market research, and training events that help entrepreneurs avoid costly mistakes and identify strategic opportunities.
Network of Support: Organizations like 1 Million Cups, Springfield Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Network (Springfield’s group for young professionals) provide valuable connections, visibility, and learning opportunities for growing businesses.
Innovate SOMO and the Future of Entrepreneurship
The recent Innovate SOMO event on April 21 highlighted Springfield’s commitment to fostering innovation across southern Missouri. This initiative connects entrepreneurs with resources, mentors, and funding opportunities while celebrating the region’s entrepreneurial achievements and potential.
The event brought together investors, business leaders, and aspiring entrepreneurs to collaborate on solutions to regional challenges and explore opportunities for growth. It exemplified the forward-thinking approach that has positioned Springfield as an emerging hub for innovation in the Midwest.
Wondering How to Start a Business in Missouri? Let Springfield Help.
If you’re weighing where to launch your business venture, consider what Springfield offers beyond just affordability:
- A community that understands and values entrepreneurship
- Mentors who’ve built successful companies and want to see you succeed
- Resources specifically designed to support startups at every stage
- Quality of life that attracts and retains talent
- Room to grow without outgrowing your welcome
The entrepreneurial spirit that launched Bass Pro Shops, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and countless other success stories continues to thrive in Springfield today. Whether your big idea involves manufacturing, technology, retail, or services, you’ll find the ecosystem here ready to support your vision.
In Springfield, entrepreneurship isn’t just about building businesses — it’s about building a community where innovation is celebrated, risk-taking is encouraged, and success is shared. Perhaps your company will be the next Springfield success story we’re writing about in the years to come.Ready to explore the possibilities? Visit liveinspringfieldmo.com to learn more about making Springfield home for both you and your entrepreneurial dreams.
