New Growth

Solving Missouri's child care puzzle is an economic imperative! A recent report and webinar series offers insights and examples from a growing national shared services movement in early child care and education. It also provides the context of Missouri initiatives and investments that local and state leaders could align and advance for development of shared service support to small and home-based child care providers. Shared services is a critical approach for local and state leaders to consider as families struggle to find and access child care. The report is by New Growth Women's Business Center and Missouri University Extension who will host these webinars on the first 3 Mondays in December at noon. Recordings will be available to those who register. See more on the report and webinars at Newgrowthmo.org Register for the webinars here: https://lnkd.in/gwc3hCVK #newgrowthmo #childcare #mochildcare #childcareinmissouri #childcaredeserts

View our spot on the Kansas City news this week! We'd hoped to share something direct from the news station, but we can't wait any longer. This is a fairly low tech recording of a TV. We couldn't have reached 1 MILLION MILES without all the volunteer drivers! You're the heroes who are helping people every day. The need is great and this system is working! It's making a HUGE difference for so MANY individuals. Join us in reaching the next million miles! How you can help ? Volunteer as a driver to make a direct impact. ? Or donate to reimburse miles and keep the wheels turning for those in need. Together, we’re creating stronger, more connected communities. Apply to be a driver: 417-283-7991 or visit newgrowthtransit.org Donate today: https://lnkd.in/gj4-AHru #newgrowthtransit #volunteerdrivernetwork #morethanaride

A BIG thank you to Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company for supporting the 2025 Farm to Fork Summit and Expo on March 7 in Nevada, MO. They're providing over $1500 worth of seeds for the event. We can't wait to share these at the event! But have you got your ticket yet? Get your early bird savings now! Read more at https://lnkd.in/gGQu3m7h Join leaders from across the food supply chain here to promote regional resilient local food sourcing and business growth. This event is ideal for farmers and food industry businesses seeking industry connections, relevant education, and a boost of motivation. Sessions will cover direct marketing, small business, MO food laws, managing pastures, preparing for farmers markets, and SO much more! #newgrowthmo #farmtofork #localfood #localfoodsystems

We know that growing a business in rural communities can be challenging. New Growth connects both farm and non-farm entrepreneurs with a variety of area resources they may not know about so businesses can succeed here faster, strengthening communities today and for the next generation. Do you need handy a reference to share with your clients about New Growth Women's Business Center or about New Growth's microlending program? We have new brochures! Let us know if you need some! Or to inquire about business support, credit building, or our microlending program, reach out! 417-282-5936 [email protected] #newgrowthmo #womensbusinesscenter #newgrowthwbc #ruralbusiness #localbusiness #smallbusiness #BusinessSuccess

Celebrating 1 Million Miles of Volunteers Provided Service! ?? We’re thrilled to announce that New Growth Transit has reached an incredible milestone—over 1 million miles of free transportation provided to rural Missourians in just 10 months of 2024! Compared to 350,000 miles in all of 2023, this is a huge accomplishment! “Reaching one million miles in less than 10 months was not expected or planned for at the beginning of this year, but it’s a testament to the great need and success of the program,” said Kelly Ast, Chief Mobility Officer at New Growth Transit. “We couldn’t have done it without the dedication of our drivers who volunteer their time, our coordination staff, and our local, regional, and state partners. When a person is not able to drive themselves, transportation is a lifeline, and we’re so proud to be able to coordinate this vital service.” This achievement wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated network of now around 80 volunteer drivers who are the heart of this service. Thanks to their generosity and our partnerships with local healthcare and community organizations, we’re bridging a critical gap in public transit. New Growth Transit enables residents across 14 counties to access essential services like healthcare appointments, job opportunities, and groceries—services that can be miles away with limited public transportation options available. Join us in celebrating our volunteer drivers and the difference they’re making one mile at a time! Read more about this milestone and how you can get involved or support our mission in the blog post on our website. Every mile counts, and every dollar makes a difference! https://lnkd.in/gmX4XYjd #NewGrowthTransit #CommunityImpact #VolunteerHeroes #1MillionMiles #VolunteerDriverNetwork

Last week, New Growth attended and spoke at the Southwest SCORE chapter and SCORE Veterans Connect Resource Fair in Springfield, Mo. This event connected veterans and other with resources to help them fund and grow their business. Helping local businesses succeed strengthens communities and creates jobs here today and for the next generation. If you'd like support with your new idea, your new business, or to expand your business, we'd be glad to chat with you. The New Growth Women’s Business Center empowers entrepreneurs with business planning, credit building, and microlending. Visit newgrowthmo.org Email [email protected]

This story of a Cabot, Arkansas man who needed a ride to work was mentioned in the September 2024 Readers Digest. With 1500 people offering to give him a ride to work, it shows how this story captivated the generous hearts of so many. Much like Bill from Arkansas, we help people like him every day! We provide rides to people going to work, going to the doctor office, or going to the grocery store. We provide rides to those who are legally blind, those with physical or mental conditions that prevent them from driving, or those who don't have access to a car. And there ARE a lot of good people in this world! Right now we have about 70 volunteer drivers. Just think what we could do if we had 1500 volunteer drivers! If you'd like to consider being a volunteer driver, you can choose when and where and how often you drive. You'll also get a reimbursement of $0.67 a mile for every mile you drive as a volunteer. Or if you can't volunteer but would still like to help, a $20 donation would reimburse 29 miles! Call - 417-283-7991 Visit - newgrowthtransit.org Donate - https://lnkd.in/gj4-AHru #newgrowthtransit #morethanaride

Ever wonder how our community can strengthen local connections while promoting economic growth? That’s the heart of the Farm to Fork Summit! This event, graciously sponsored by the City of Nevada, MO, hosted at the Nevada Community Center on March 7, will bring people together from across the region to celebrate local food, foster new partnerships, and open doors for sustainable growth. It's about so much more than just economic development—it's building a community where neighbors, new and old, come together to create a resilient supply for local food! Thank you, Nevada, for your generous contribution for making this vision possible! Get early-bird ticket savings now at newgrowthmo.org/farmtofork #FarmToFork #NevadaMO #CommunityConnection #LocalFood #NewGrowthMo

Today, we honor the countless veterans in our rural communities who have served—and continue to serve—in so many ways. Thank you for your dedication, courage, and continued impact in our communities. We are grateful for all you've done and continue to do. Thank you, veterans! #newgrowthmo

Wish you could build and maintain your own high tunnel without the costly assembly and upkeep fees? Here’s your chance to master high tunnels for year-round farming on Thursday, November 14! Join us at Millsap Farm for a hands-on High Tunnel Workshop & Raising—the perfect event to learn, connect, and get your hands dirty with fellow farm enthusiasts! Bonus: We’re serving up a delicious lunch! But we need your RSVP to plan ahead. Save Your Spot & Register Today: https://lnkd.in/ghtKeTVU #newgrowthmo #localfood #foodsytems #localfoodsystems Get ready to learn, build, and grow—see you there!