Small Business Academy
The Small Business Academy helps businesses grow by improving the skills of business owners and leaders. The Academy is a partnership between the Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce and the University of Missouri Extension's Business Development Program.
Academy participants meet with other small business leaders from 8 - 11 a.m. once a week for 11 weeks. Using a Kauffman Foundation curriculum coupled with peer-to-peer interaction, attendees will be able to grow their business by improving their skills, knowledge and abilities.
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Small Business Academy Class of 2011
Jim Pond, AmeriGO-Cardwell Moving & Storage; Lauren Jungermann, Central Bank; Tana Sullens, Jefferson City Cleaning Solutions; Ron Lehman, Knapheide Truck Equipment Company and Greg Vadner, Riversong Spa and Salon.
The value of the academy is its focus on and preparation for growth through a structured curriculum that provides practical advice, real-work techniques, and opportunities for 
coaching and access to new resources.
SMALL BUSINESS ACADEMY ALUMNI TESTIMONIALS
I was pleased to be selected as part of the pilot program of the Small Business Academy. As 1 of 8 small-business owners, I was impressed with the partnership of the Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce and the University of Missouri Extension Services. Both Kathy Scheulen and Chris Thompson strived to make this initial venture worthwhile for all involved. The sessions were worthwhile whether an owner had several employees or was their own "sole employee". I look forward to sharing my experiences with future classes to further finesse the course. - Laurelanne Bellezzo, Stage2Sell, LLC
I believe that education is an ongoing process. Through the Small Business Academy I was able to see that many of my business processes were on target or ways to improve other areas. Each session was dedicated to the different aspects of business. It was very interesting learning from the different businesses represented in the class. Even though you may not have the exact issues, we all have the same kind of concerns or problems. I would recommend this class to any start up or existing business, the education and friendships I have gained were well worth the effort. - Paula Benne, C&S Business Services, Inc.
