Apr 6, 2026
Show-Me Network Week to Celebrate Missouri's Entrepreneurial Spirit
Regional Events and Celebrations Set for May 4 - 8, 2026.
As Missouri prepares to celebrate the 100th anniversary of historic Route 66, the Show-Me Network is gearing up for a celebration of another pathway that accelerates growth. Show-Me Network Week will be held May 4-8 in conjunction with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s National Small Business Week, and it will recognize the modern route entrepreneurs take to build and grow businesses across the state.
Led by Missouri State University’s efactory and Codefi, Show-Me Network is a collaborative network of business and community leaders dedicated to fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic vitality across Missouri. The network empowers founders, accelerates startups, and builds a thriving ecosystem for growth and prosperity.
“Show-Me Network Week gives us the opportunity to highlight the progress happening across Missouri in innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Rachel Munday, executive director of efactory. “As we honor the legacy of Route 66, we’re also shining a light on the new paths entrepreneurs are forging. We’re excited by the role entrepreneurs and founders continue to play in driving economic growth and strengthening communities across the state.”
The Show-Me Network establishes and supports local connectors — community-based organizations that serve as champions for entrepreneurs and innovators throughout Missouri. These partners deliver tailored programming, share resources and help individuals access the support they need to start and grow, ensuring innovation reaches communities along every stretch of Missouri’s entrepreneurial landscape.
This year’s celebration will feature community-hosted celebrations and a social media campaign highlighting innovation and entrepreneurship across Missouri. Show-Me Network Week is made possible by the Missouri Technology Corporation Regional Node Grant program.
“At the Missouri Technology Corporation, we believe that fostering strong, regional entrepreneurial nodes is the key to statewide prosperity,” said Julia Campbell, interim executive director of MTC. “Show-Me Network Week is a testament to that strategy in action, demonstrating the incredible innovation and dedication thriving in communities across the state. MTC is proud to leverage the Regional Node Grant program to support initiatives that connect and uplift every Missouri entrepreneur."
“Show-Me Network Week is a great way to showcase the collaboration happening statewide,” said Dr. James Stapleton, president and CEO of codefi.
Through this collaboration and federal funding from the Missouri Technical Assistance (MOTA) grant program awarded by the Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED), State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) Technical Assistance Grant funds, the Show-Me Network has increased efforts to support small businesses and startups by offering enhanced technical assistance and referrals to funding opportunities. The program helps entrepreneurs access critical resources that enable growth and expansion. The MOTA grant supports the SSBCI Capital program by preparing startups and small businesses to apply for IDEA Funds, administered by the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC), and IgniteMO, administered by Justine PETERSEN.
Check out Codefi’s virtual events here: codefiworks.com/campaigns/show-me-network-week-2026
View the entire Show Me Network Week lineup here: showmenetwork.org/show-me-network-week
This project is supported, in whole or in part, by federal award number SSBCI-21031-0104 awarded to the State of Missouri by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
Show-Me Network Week is made possible through funding provided to efactory and codefi through Missouri Technology Corporation’s Regional Node grant program.
About Show-Me Network
Show-Me Network is a network of businesses, organizations, and individuals working together to drive innovation and economic growth across Missouri. The network connects workers to training, entrepreneurs to resources, and employers to talent, fostering a thriving ecosystem for innovation. Show-Me Network is a collaborative effort of efactory and codefi.
About Codefi
Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation is a nationally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit that eliminates the skills and opportunity gaps preventing talent and entrepreneurs in rural and underserved regions from thriving in the digital economy. Since 2014, Codefi has supported 60+ startups, trained 600+ individuals, generated $100M+ in economic impact, and served 47+ Missouri counties. Codefi's integrated ecosystem of AI skills training, startup support, venture investment, and development services produces high-quality jobs by building and attracting software-focused companies and expanding the tech economy. Codefi is also a co-founder of the Show Me Network, a statewide network connecting rural entrepreneurs to resources and programs. Learn more at codefiworks.com.