Center For Business & Entrepreneurship

Something transformative is happening on Harmon Street in Pineville, Missouri. After a year of planning and collaboration, the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce has opened the Center for Business & Entrepreneurship—a facility dedicated to empowering current business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and residents throughout McDonald County. Located next door to the chamber office at 308 Harmon Street, this new center represents a bold investment in the community’s economic future.

The McDonald County Chamber purchased the building with the dream of the business center as a starting point. The center will offer comprehensive training in essential business skills including AI, Social Media, Marketing, Branding, Grant Writing, Budgeting, Quickbooks, Working with the Media, legal fundamentals, and Online & Cyber-Security. Expert instructors from across the region will bring real-world experience in many fields.

This isn’t just about lectures—it’s about equipping business owners and perspective business owners with the tools to launch and grow their ventures. What makes this initiative particularly exciting is its connection to youth entrepreneurship. Building upon the foundation of the chamber’s partnership with McDonald County High School, including a student-run coffee shop operated by high school students, the center aims to spark entrepreneurial spirit in the next generation. Students can learn business fundamentals while contributing to their community, creating a pipeline of homegrown business talent.

The community has rallied behind this project. From Sean & Kristin Crider getting the ball rolling with a 5-year donor commitment to every other donor at all levels that made this project possible, They will be honored on a huge plaque inside the center, without each of them, we wouldn’t be where we are today. This grassroots support demonstrates McDonald County’s commitment to building a thriving business ecosystem where established companies can sharpen their skills and new entrepreneurs can turn dreams into reality.