Strengthen Communities
Building Missouri's AI-ready workforce and innovation economy. A statewide partner network, regional startup studios, community investment funds, and investor education—designed for rural and underserved communities.
The Rural Innovation Gap
Talent Leaves, Opportunity Follows
Young people leave rural communities for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in metros. Without a local innovation economy, the cycle accelerates.
Capital Doesn't Reach Here
Less than 10% of venture capital flows outside major metros—even though 60% of Americans live there. Good ideas go unfunded.
Ecosystems Don't Build Themselves
Innovation requires infrastructure: training, mentorship, capital, and connections. Most rural communities lack all four.
The Rural Innovation Gap
Talent Leaves, Opportunity Follows
Young people leave rural communities for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in metros. Without a local innovation economy, the cycle accelerates.
Capital Doesn't Reach Here
Less than 10% of venture capital flows outside major metros—even though 60% of Americans live there. Good ideas go unfunded.
Ecosystems Don't Build Themselves
Innovation requires infrastructure: training, mentorship, capital, and connections. Most rural communities lack all four.
Challenges of
Being a Founder
Talent Leaves, Opportunity Follows
Young people leave rural communities for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities in metros. Without a local innovation economy, the cycle accelerates.
Capital Doesn't Reach Here
Less than 10% of venture capital flows outside major metros—even though 60% of Americans live there. Good ideas go unfunded.
Ecosystems Don't Build Themselves
Innovation requires infrastructure: training, mentorship, capital, and connections. Most rural communities lack all four.
That's Why
We Built The Missouri Ecosystem
Training
Capital
Network
Since 2014, Codefi Foundation has been building the infrastructure rural Missouri needs to participate in the innovation economy. A statewide partner network. Industry-focused startup studios. Community investment funds. Investor education. Real resources for communities that have been overlooked.
Everything We Offer in Missouri
All Codefi programs are available to Missouri residents—most free or grant-subsidized. Four additional initiatives exist only here. Organizations outside Missouri can access our core programs through Traction Studio, our partner organization.
AI Skills
Missouri + US
AI and vibe coding training
Startup Studio
Missouri + US
TractionStudio.ai validation platform
Dev Studio
Missouri + US
Custom software and AI development
Builders Lab
Missouri + US
Organizational AI transformation
Show Me Network
Missouri only
Statewide entrepreneur support network
Industry Studios
Missouri only
Sector-focused startup programs
Innovate SOMO Funds
Missouri only
Community venture philanthropy
Investor Education
Missouri only
Angel/venture & philanthropy education
Everything We Offer in Missouri
All Codefi programs are available to Missouri residents—most free or grant-subsidized. Four additional initiatives exist only here. Organizations outside Missouri can access our core programs through Traction Studio, our partner organization.
AI Skills
Missouri + US
AI and vibe coding training
Startup Studio
Missouri + US
TractionStudio.ai validation platform
No Direction+AI= Failure
Missouri + US
Custom software and AI development
No Direction+AI= Failure
Missouri + US
Organizational AI transformation
No Direction+AI= Failure
Missouri only
Statewide entrepreneur support network
No Direction+AI= Failure
Missouri only
Sector-focused startup programs
No Direction+AI= Failure
Missouri only
Community venture philanthropy
No Direction+AI= Failure
Missouri only
Angel/venture & philanthropy education
Everything We Offer in Missouri
All Codefi programs are available to Missouri residents—most free or grant-subsidized. Four additional initiatives exist only here. Organizations outside Missouri can access our core programs through Traction Studio, our partner organization.
AI Skills
Missouri + US
AI and vibe coding training
Startup Studio
Missouri + US
TractionStudio.ai validation platform
Dev Studio
Missouri + US
Custom software and AI development
Builders Lab
Missouri + US
Organizational AI transformation
Show Me Network
Missouri only
Statewide entrepreneur support network
Industry Studios
Missouri only
Sector-focused startup programs
Innovate SOMO Funds
Missouri only
Community venture philanthropy
Investor Education
Missouri only
Angel/venture & philanthropy education
Four Programs. One Mission.
Strengthening Missouri's innovation economy from the ground up.
Show Me Network
Statewide support for entrepreneurs
right where they are.
No single organization can transform a state. The Show Me Network connects entrepreneurs across Missouri to the people, resources, and funding they need to succeed—no matter where they're starting from. Through Regional Connectors and Community Connectors, we ensure every founder has a local entry point to statewide resources.
See More
Industry Startup Studios
Sector-focused programs that turn regional strengths into startup opportunities.
Every region has industries where it holds natural advantages—agricultural expertise, healthcare networks, logistics, ecommerce, manufacturing infrastructure. Our Industry Startup Studios channel that expertise into validated startups that solve real problems in these sectors.
See More
Innovate SOMO Funds
Community-anchored capital for
Southern Missouri startups.
Great ideas shouldn't die because they're 1,000 miles from Sand Hill Road. The Innovate SOMO Funds bring venture philanthropy to Southern Missouri—pooling community investment to fund local startups that create jobs and economic opportunity. Our dual-fund structure creates compounding impact: returns get recycled into the next generation of Missouri entrepreneurs.
See More
Investor Education
Building Missouri's investor
ecosystem from the ground up.
A thriving startup ecosystem needs informed investors. Our education programs equip accredited individuals and philanthropists with the knowledge to participate confidently in venture and angel investing—keeping more capital working in Missouri.
See More
Four Programs. One Mission.
Strengthening Missouri's innovation economy from the ground up.
Show Me Network
Statewide support for entrepreneurs—right where they are.
No single organization can transform a state. The Show Me Network connects entrepreneurs across Missouri to the people, resources, and funding they need to succeed—no matter where they're starting from. Through Regional Connectors and Community Connectors, we ensure every founder has a local entry point to statewide resources.
See More
Industry Startup Studios
Sector-focused programs that turn regional strengths into startup opportunities.
Every region has industries where it holds natural advantages—agricultural expertise, healthcare networks, logistics, ecommerce, manufacturing infrastructure. Our Industry Startup Studios channel that expertise into validated startups that solve real problems in these sectors.
See More
Innovate SOMO Funds
Community-anchored capital forSouthern Missouri startups.
Great ideas shouldn't die because they're 1,000 miles from Sand Hill Road. The Innovate SOMO Funds bring venture philanthropy to Southern Missouri—pooling community investment to fund local startups that create jobs and economic opportunity. Our dual-fund structure creates compounding impact: returns get recycled into the next generation of Missouri entrepreneurs.
See More
Investor Education
Community-anchored capital forSouthern Missouri startups.
A thriving startup ecosystem needs informed investors. Our education programs equip accredited individuals and philanthropists with the knowledge to participate confidently in venture and angel investing—keeping more capital working in Missouri.
See More
Four Programs. One Mission.
Strengthening Missouri's innovation economy from the ground up.
Show Me Network
Statewide support for entrepreneurs—right where they are.
No single organization can transform a state. The Show Me Network connects entrepreneurs across Missouri to the people, resources, and funding they need to succeed—no matter where they're starting from. Through Regional Connectors and Community Connectors, we ensure every founder has a local entry point to statewide resources.
See More
Industry Startup Studios
Sector-focused programs that turn regional strengths into startup opportunities.
Every region has industries where it holds natural advantages—agricultural expertise, healthcare networks, logistics, ecommerce, manufacturing infrastructure. Our Industry Startup Studios channel that expertise into validated startups that solve real problems in these sectors.
See More
Innovate SOMO Funds
Community-anchored capital for Southern Missouri startups.
Great ideas shouldn't die because they're 1,000 miles from Sand Hill Road. The Innovate SOMO Funds bring venture philanthropy to Southern Missouri—pooling community investment to fund local startups that create jobs and economic opportunity. Our dual-fund structure creates compounding impact: returns get recycled into the next generation of Missouri entrepreneurs.
See More
Investor Education
Community-anchored capital for Southern Missouri startups.
A thriving startup ecosystem needs informed investors. Our education programs equip accredited individuals and philanthropists with the knowledge to participate confidently in venture and angel investing—keeping more capital working in Missouri.
See More
Why Codefi?
10+ Years in Missouri
Since 2014, we've been building innovation infrastructure in communities others overlook. We know this work because we've done this work.
500+ Graduates
Hundreds of Missourians have built tech and AI skills, launched startups, and transformed their careers through our programs.
Statewide Network
The Show Me Network reaches across Missouri, connecting communities to resources and each other through Regional and Community Connectors.
80+ Startups Launched
Real companies, real products, real jobs—created by founders we've directly trained and supported.
Mission-Driven
As a nonprofit, our success is measured in community impact—not profit margins. We exist to serve Missouri.
Full Ecosystem
Training, validation, funding, investor education, and support. We've built the complete infrastructure founders and investors need to succeed.
Why Codefi?
10+ Years in Missouri
Since 2014, we've been building innovation infrastructure in communities others overlook. We know this work because we've done this work.
500+ Graduates
Hundreds of Missourians have built tech and AI skills, launched startups, and transformed their careers through our programs.
Statewide Network
The Show Me Network reaches across Missouri, connecting communities to resources and each other through Regional and Community Connectors.
80+ Startups Launched
Real companies, real products, real jobs—created by founders we've directly trained and supported.
Mission-Driven
As a nonprofit, our success is measured in community impact—not profit margins. We exist to serve Missouri.
Full Ecosystem
Training, validation, funding, investor education, and support. We've built the complete infrastructure founders and investors need to succeed.
Why Codefi?
10+ Years in Missouri
Avoid surprises at tax season with these simple strategies for setting aside the right amount.
500+ Graduates
Avoid surprises at tax season with these simple strategies for setting aside the right amount.
Statewide Network
Avoid surprises at tax season with these simple strategies for setting aside the right amount.
80+ Startups Launched
Avoid surprises at tax season with these simple strategies for setting aside the right amount.
Mission-Driven
Avoid surprises at tax season with these simple strategies for setting aside the right amount.
Full Ecosystem
Avoid surprises at tax season with these simple strategies for setting aside the right amount.
Trusted Across Missouri
Communities, partners, and founders building together.
By connecting and combining our collective talents and resources across the region and state, we can scale up the delivery of innovative workforce and business development training programs.
Dr. James S.
Co-Founder
By the time I pitched at Invest SOMO, I wasn't just validating an idea - I was building a business. Codefi helped me find product-market fit, gain investor traction, and commit full-time to my vision.
Chad B.
Founder
The $50,000 grant is helpful, but the number-one benefit is the community's willingness to wrap their arms around us to quickly make introductions to supporters and customers.
Brock M.
Founder
We see tremendous opportunities in ag-tech businesses, from irrigation systems to drones.
Jeff M.
President and CEO
By connecting and combining our collective talents and resources across the region and state, we can scale up the delivery of innovative workforce and business development training programs.
Dr. James S.
Co-Founder
By the time I pitched at Invest SOMO, I wasn't just validating an idea - I was building a business. Codefi helped me find product-market fit, gain investor traction, and commit full-time to my vision.
Chad B.
Founder
The $50,000 grant is helpful, but the number-one benefit is the community's willingness to wrap their arms around us to quickly make introductions to supporters and customers.
Brock M.
Founder
We see tremendous opportunities in ag-tech businesses, from irrigation systems to drones.
Jeff M.
President and CEO
By connecting and combining our collective talents and resources across the region and state, we can scale up the delivery of innovative workforce and business development training programs.
Dr. James S.
Co-Founder
By the time I pitched at Invest SOMO, I wasn't just validating an idea - I was building a business. Codefi helped me find product-market fit, gain investor traction, and commit full-time to my vision.
Chad B.
Founder
The $50,000 grant is helpful, but the number-one benefit is the community's willingness to wrap their arms around us to quickly make introductions to supporters and customers.
Brock M.
Founder
We see tremendous opportunities in ag-tech businesses, from irrigation systems to drones.
Jeff M.
President and CEO
Frequently
Asked Questions
Here's everything you need to know before getting started.
01
Are these programs only for Missouri residents?
Yes. Show Me Network, Industry Startup Studios, Innovate SOMO Funds, and Investor Education are specifically designed for Missouri communities. Our national offerings (AI Skills, Startup Studio, Dev Studio, Builders Lab) are available through Traction Studio, Inc. for organizations outside Missouri.
02
How do I know which program is right for me?
It depends on who you are. Founders with startup ideas should explore Traction Studio AI and Industry Startup Studios. Small business owners should connect with the Show Me Network to find local resources. Investors interested in community impact should learn about the Innovate SOMO Funds or enroll in Investor Education. Organizations wanting to bring programs to their community should partner with Codefi and join the Show Me Network as a Connector.
03
Is there a cost for Missouri residents?
Many programs are free or grant-subsidized for Missouri residents, based on grant and government funding availability.
04
What's the relationship between Codefi Foundation and Traction Studio?
Codefi Foundation is a nonprofit serving Missouri communities. Traction Studio, Inc. is a Public Benefit Corporation offering programs nationally. We share methodology, tools, and the mission of building innovation ecosystems—but Codefi focuses specifically on Missouri's rural and underserved communities.
05
How do Industry Startup Studios work?
Each studio focuses on a specific sector—where a Missouri region has natural advantages. We partner with industry organizations who provide access to practitioners; Codefi leads validation, MVP development, and team formation. Studios run in six-month cycles: discover and validate problems, design and prototype solutions, pilot with real customers, then form founding teams and pursue funding. Validated startups access capital through Innovate SOMO and build services through Dev Studio.
06
How do I invest in the Innovate SOMO Funds?
Contact us to learn about venture philanthropy opportunities. We work with individual donors, foundations, and economic development organizations interested in deploying capital for community impact. Our Investor Education programs can help you understand the model before committing.
07
What's the difference between the two Investor Education programs?
Investor Ready Missouri is self-paced education for individuals interested in angel and venture investing—focused on deal evaluation, term sheets, and portfolio strategy. New Era of Philanthropic Capital is a live webinar for philanthropists and foundations exploring how venture philanthropy creates compounding impact through co-investment structures.
08
What does Show Me Network membership include?
Partners can offer Codefi and other programs offered to their communities, access referral pathways to connect constituents with resources, participate in shared learning, and join collective advocacy for rural innovation. Membership is free. Regional Connectors and Community Connectors serve as local entry points across the state.
09
I'm in Missouri but not in Southern Missouri. Can I still participate?
Yes. The Show Me Network is statewide with Regional Connectors in Joplin, Kirksville, West Plains, St. Joseph, Cape Girardeau, and Springfield, plus Community Connectors across dozens of communities. AI Skills, Startup Studio, and Builders Lab are available to all Missouri residents. Innovate SOMO Funds has a preference for southern startups, but Investor Education is available statewide.
10
How are Innovate SOMO investment decisions made?
A local investment committee reviews startups that have completed validation through TractionStudio AI or something similarly rigorous. Decisions prioritize ventures that demonstrate traction, serve regional needs, and create local economic opportunity.
11
How do I get started?
For founders: Start with a free Business Model Design at app.tractionstudio.ai or connect with your local Show Me Network Connector. For investors: Explore Investor Education programs or contact us about the Innovate SOMO Funds. For organizations: connect with us or apply to join the Show Me Network as a Connector.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Here's everything you need to know before getting started.
01
Are these programs only for Missouri residents?
Yes. Show Me Network, Industry Startup Studios, Innovate SOMO Funds, and Investor Education are specifically designed for Missouri communities. Our national offerings (AI Skills, Startup Studio, Dev Studio, Builders Lab) are available through Traction Studio, Inc. for organizations outside Missouri.
02
How do I know which program is right for me?
It depends on who you are. Founders with startup ideas should explore Traction Studio AI and Industry Startup Studios. Small business owners should connect with the Show Me Network to find local resources. Investors interested in community impact should learn about the Innovate SOMO Funds or enroll in Investor Education. Organizations wanting to bring programs to their community should partner with Codefi and join the Show Me Network as a Connector.
03
Is there a cost for Missouri residents?
Many programs are free or grant-subsidized for Missouri residents, based on grant and government funding availability.
04
What's the relationship between Codefi Foundation and Traction Studio?
Codefi Foundation is a nonprofit serving Missouri communities. Traction Studio, Inc. is a Public Benefit Corporation offering programs nationally. We share methodology, tools, and the mission of building innovation ecosystems—but Codefi focuses specifically on Missouri's rural and underserved communities.
05
How do Industry Startup Studios work?
Each studio focuses on a specific sector—where a Missouri region has natural advantages. We partner with industry organizations who provide access to practitioners; Codefi leads validation, MVP development, and team formation. Studios run in six-month cycles: discover and validate problems, design and prototype solutions, pilot with real customers, then form founding teams and pursue funding. Validated startups access capital through Innovate SOMO and build services through Dev Studio.
06
How do I invest in the Innovate SOMO Funds?
Contact us to learn about venture philanthropy opportunities. We work with individual donors, foundations, and economic development organizations interested in deploying capital for community impact. Our Investor Education programs can help you understand the model before committing.
07
What's the difference between the two Investor Education programs?
Investor Ready Missouri is self-paced education for individuals interested in angel and venture investing—focused on deal evaluation, term sheets, and portfolio strategy. New Era of Philanthropic Capital is a live webinar for philanthropists and foundations exploring how venture philanthropy creates compounding impact through co-investment structures.
08
What does Show Me Network membership include?
Partners can offer Codefi and other programs offered to their communities, access referral pathways to connect constituents with resources, participate in shared learning, and join collective advocacy for rural innovation. Membership is free. Regional Connectors and Community Connectors serve as local entry points across the state.
09
I'm in Missouri but not in Southern Missouri. Can I still participate?
Yes. The Show Me Network is statewide with Regional Connectors in Joplin, Kirksville, West Plains, St. Joseph, Cape Girardeau, and Springfield, plus Community Connectors across dozens of communities. AI Skills, Startup Studio, and Builders Lab are available to all Missouri residents. Innovate SOMO Funds has a preference for southern startups, but Investor Education is available statewide.
10
How are Innovate SOMO investment decisions made?
A local investment committee reviews startups that have completed validation through TractionStudio AI or something similarly rigorous. Decisions prioritize ventures that demonstrate traction, serve regional needs, and create local economic opportunity.
11
How do I get started?
For founders: Start with a free Business Model Design at app.tractionstudio.ai or connect with your local Show Me Network Connector. For investors: Explore Investor Education programs or contact us about the Innovate SOMO Funds. For organizations: connect with us or apply to join the Show Me Network as a Connector.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Here's everything you need to know before getting started.
01
Are these programs only for Missouri residents?
Yes. Show Me Network, Industry Startup Studios, Innovate SOMO Funds, and Investor Education are specifically designed for Missouri communities. Our national offerings (AI Skills, Startup Studio, Dev Studio, Builders Lab) are available through Traction Studio, Inc. for organizations outside Missouri.
02
How do I know which program is right for me?
It depends on who you are. Founders with startup ideas should explore Traction Studio AI and Industry Startup Studios. Small business owners should connect with the Show Me Network to find local resources. Investors interested in community impact should learn about the Innovate SOMO Funds or enroll in Investor Education. Organizations wanting to bring programs to their community should partner with Codefi and join the Show Me Network as a Connector.
03
Is there a cost for Missouri residents?
Many programs are free or grant-subsidized for Missouri residents, based on grant and government funding availability.
04
What's the relationship between Codefi Foundation and Traction Studio?
Codefi Foundation is a nonprofit serving Missouri communities. Traction Studio, Inc. is a Public Benefit Corporation offering programs nationally. We share methodology, tools, and the mission of building innovation ecosystems—but Codefi focuses specifically on Missouri's rural and underserved communities.
05
How do Industry Startup Studios work?
Each studio focuses on a specific sector—where a Missouri region has natural advantages. We partner with industry organizations who provide access to practitioners; Codefi leads validation, MVP development, and team formation. Studios run in six-month cycles: discover and validate problems, design and prototype solutions, pilot with real customers, then form founding teams and pursue funding. Validated startups access capital through Innovate SOMO and build services through Dev Studio.
06
How do I invest in the Innovate SOMO Funds?
Contact us to learn about venture philanthropy opportunities. We work with individual donors, foundations, and economic development organizations interested in deploying capital for community impact. Our Investor Education programs can help you understand the model before committing.
07
What's the difference between the two Investor Education programs?
Investor Ready Missouri is self-paced education for individuals interested in angel and venture investing—focused on deal evaluation, term sheets, and portfolio strategy. New Era of Philanthropic Capital is a live webinar for philanthropists and foundations exploring how venture philanthropy creates compounding impact through co-investment structures.
08
What does Show Me Network membership include?
Partners can offer Codefi and other programs offered to their communities, access referral pathways to connect constituents with resources, participate in shared learning, and join collective advocacy for rural innovation. Membership is free. Regional Connectors and Community Connectors serve as local entry points across the state.
09
I'm in Missouri but not in Southern Missouri. Can I still participate?
Yes. The Show Me Network is statewide with Regional Connectors in Joplin, Kirksville, West Plains, St. Joseph, Cape Girardeau, and Springfield, plus Community Connectors across dozens of communities. AI Skills, Startup Studio, and Builders Lab are available to all Missouri residents. Innovate SOMO Funds has a preference for southern startups, but Investor Education is available statewide.
10
How are Innovate SOMO investment decisions made?
A local investment committee reviews startups that have completed validation through TractionStudio AI or something similarly rigorous. Decisions prioritize ventures that demonstrate traction, serve regional needs, and create local economic opportunity.
11
How do I get started?
For founders: Start with a free Business Model Design at app.tractionstudio.ai or connect with your local Show Me Network Connector. For investors: Explore Investor Education programs or contact us about the Innovate SOMO Funds. For organizations: connect with us or apply to join the Show Me Network as a Connector.
Let’s Build Better
Things Together.
Founders, developers, and leaders building with AI. Get updates on new programs, tools, and opportunities.
Let’s Build Better
Things Together.
Founders, developers, and leaders building with AI. Get updates on new programs, tools, and opportunities.
Let’s Build Better
Things Together.
Founders, developers, and leaders building with AI. Get updates on new programs, tools, and opportunities.