New Growth

? Discover the stories that are shaping rural communities! From entrepreneurs growing local businesses to programs opening doors for neighbors, these insights show how small steps create big change. Get inspired by real experiences and learn how New Growth is strengthening connections and creating opportunities across the region. ?? See the latest stories: https://lnkd.in/gkQ422b7 #NewGrowthMO #CommunityImpact #RuralDevelopment #StrongerTogether

In light of our current budget constraints, New Growth Transit has been taking a close look at how we meet rural transportation needs. Recently, we had to limit all rides to non-emergency medical trips only (like doctor’s appointments). The good news? We’ve found a new partner to help with these important rides! Since non-emergency medical rides make up about half of our program costs, we are now working with MTM (Medical Transportation Management) for Medicaid-eligible rides. If you have Medicaid, you can call the number on the back of your Medicaid card to schedule a ride—and you can request New Growth Transit as your provider! Rides we receive through MTM will help keep our volunteer drivers rolling and support the New Growth Transit program. When we first started, most people thought medical rides were the only need. But by providing rides for work, shopping, and community access, we’ve shown that rural transportation is about more than just getting to the doctor. And, we’ve proven that a volunteer driver network works! In less than 10 months last year, our 78 volunteer drivers provided over 1 million miles in rides! Now, we’re looking for more financial partners to help meet these broader transportation needs. Please understand that our budget comes from several sources, including some funding from specific counties. Counties often want the services they support to stay local, which means that as we approve ride requests, it may seem random which rides we can approve or where we can go. We ask for your patience and understanding as we work through these changes. Your support will help keep the whole program running! We’re also seeking more funding opportunities. If you know of an organization interested in helping fund volunteer driver transportation, even if for specific needs, please reach out to us. Thank you for your patience as we adjust to these changes. Feel free to direct message with questions regarding these changes or call us to request a ride at least 48 hours in advance – 417-283-7991 Together, we can keep supporting our rural communities! #newgrowthtransit #newgrowthmo #volunteerdrivernetwork #ruraltransportation

You drive, we’ve got the rest! When you volunteer with New Growth Transit, you’re never on your own. We take care of the logistics—ride scheduling, volunteer training, tablet support, reimbursement scheduling, and SO much more. Got a question or an issue? Just give us a call—we’re here to help every step of the way. Our team is dedicated to making sure volunteer drivers can focus on what they love most: helping neighbors and making a difference in their community. Together we can provide the next million miles in rides! Volunteer as a driver and set your own schedule while receiving mileage reimbursement - money that is not an income but meant to cover way more than just gas. Can’t be a driver? Donate to support reimbursements for those who generously give their time. Together, we’re strengthening rural communities and helping neighbors in need—one mile at a time. Apply to be a driver, give us a call 417-283-7991 or visit newgrowthtransit.org #NewGrowthTransit #VolunteerDrivers #GivingBack #RuralTransportation #morethanaride #VolunteerDriverNetwork

The summer 2026 FIFA World Cup is bringing the world to Kansas City—and to our rural communities too! With over half a million visitors expected and hotels filling up fast, rural communities up to 2.5 hours away will see a surge in travelers looking for places to stay, eat, and explore. Plus, with the Route 66 100th Anniversary Festival and Branson attractions, our region is perfectly positioned for extended tourism. NOW’s the time to prepare your business or town for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! New Growth is here to help—sign up for updates and get connected with resources to make the most of this tourism boom. Read more & get involved! https://lnkd.in/gnsaP2Tv #WorldCup2026 #KansasCity2026 #RuralTourism #Route66 #BransonMO #SmallTownOpportunity #NewGrowthMO

Are you getting the New Growth News emails?! So much happening, you won't want to miss out! 1. Be sure you signed up by submitting (again if need) for emails at the bottom of our website: https://lnkd.in/e8mFqHB 2. Check your spam folder! 3. Or click this link to view online:https://conta.cc/4hP5KrG #newgrowthmo #newgrowthwbc #smallbusiness #ruralmissouri #ruralrocks

Lawanna Salmon and her family have been raising cattle for decades in St Clair County, Missouri, but selling meat directly to consumers? That was a whole new challenge. Like many small farmers, they knew there was demand for high-quality, local beef—but figuring out processing, regulations, and marketing was another story. That’s where New Growth came in. Through business coaching and networking, Lawanna connected with the right resources, mentors, and funding opportunities to grow Salmon Enterprises into a successful direct-to-consumer meat business. Now, she’s sharing what she’s learned with YOU! Lawanna will be speaking at the Farm to Fork Summit on March 7, 2025, for her session on Marketing Meat Direct to Consumers. The Farm to Fork Summit is an event so popular, so needed, that it has now SOLD OUT!! Read Lawanna’s story on New Growth's website: https://lnkd.in/gyenN3JQ #farmtofork #newgrowthmo #f2f2025 #farmtoforksummit #nevadamo #localmeat #smallfarmbusiness #directmarketing #knowyourfarmer

Did you get the New Growth Transit News or New Growth News in your email recently? If you did, help us out a bunch and click on something! This little action will help our emails make it in more inboxes! Sounds simple, and it's not, but just take our word - it helps a bunch! To sign up for these emails or to just see the email online, visit: https://conta.cc/4hLw1rv Thank you SO much for all YOUR support!! #newgrowthtransit #newgrowthtransitemails #supportinmotion #volunteerdrivers

These incredible sponsors know that supporting local food and farm businesses strengthens our communities, boosts local economies, and keeps fresh, delicious food on our tables! A huge shout-out to: Vital Farms City of Nevada & Nevada Tourism Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company Osage Valley Electric Cooperative Agri Spray Drones Missouri Grown Tractor Supply in Nevada, Mo Gordon's Orchard Missouri Northern Pecan Growers Precision Coffee Company Johnny's Selected Seeds MFA Agri Services Morgan County Seeds Their support makes the Farm to Fork Summit possible—bringing farmers, food businesses, and eaters together to grow a stronger local food system. #newgrowthmo #farmtofork2025 #farmtofork #smallbusiness #farmandfoodbusinesses

March 4 & March 11 - Are you considering using QuickBooks Online? (QBO) for your business? Or, maybe you already use it but know that you're not using it to its fullest potential? What's the difference between QuickBooks Desktop? and QuickBooks Online?? For those that are currently using QuickBooks Online?, or thinking of using this program, the Missouri Small Business Development Center at State Fair Community College has put together two classes to help small business owners gain a better understanding of the software. 2025 DATES Introduction-March 4 Advanced- March 11 TIME: 6-9 pm COST: $49 per session LOCATION: Room 147 State Fair Community College Stone Crest Mall, Upper Level 3797 Osage Beach Parkway Osage Beach MO 65065 NOTE: Attendees to SBDC's QuickBooks Trainings receive a 30% discount coupon on QB Desktop and QB Online (a perpetual 30% off your monthly online subscription!). For more information, visit https://lnkd.in/e5cwJrt #newgrowthmo #quickbooks #smallbusiness

New Growth Food Systems is all about strengthening the roots of our regional food economy, supporting farmers, food businesses, and the communities they nourish. Katie Nixon, New Growth's Food Systems Director and co-director of the Heartland Regional Food Business Center, joined the Farmers and Friends event hosted by Cultivate KC —and what a gathering it was! Around 200 farmers and local food advocates came together to network, learn, and, of course, enjoy some delicious pie! A huge congratulations to Mike Pearl, one of our dedicated Beginning Farmer mentors, for receiving the John Kiahua Mentorship Award! His commitment to guiding new farmers is just one example of the many ways our regional food community supports each other. At New Growth, we work to connect, educate, and invest in local food producers through programs like: Farm to Fork Summit – Bringing together food and farm entrepreneurs for education, networking, and collaboration. newgrowthmo.org/farmtofork Beginning Farmers & Ranchers Development Program – Helping new farmers gain the knowledge and connections they need to succeed. Heartland Regional Food Business Center – Connecting food businesses with resources and opportunities across five states. Want to find more events that bring our food and farm community together? Check out upcoming gatherings at: newgrowthmo.org #heartlandfoodbusiness #cultivatekc #farmersandfriends #localfood #farmtofork #beginningfarmers #communityconnections