Posts by rgilligan_robgilligan

Good Business Starts with Good Hospitality Last week was move in day for thousands of SEMO students as they got ready for today’s start of the fall semester. With move in activity that means hundreds of new residents and their families and friends were coming to spend some time and money here in Cape Girardeau…

An Opportunity to Kick Start Your New Business Idea in Southeast Missouri Have you been sitting on that brilliant business idea, wondering how to turn it into a thriving venture? Southeast Missouri State University’s Small Business Development Center is hosting an eight-week Early-Stage Business Boot Camp from August 26 to October 14 at the Cape…

New Employees are just a “Handshake” Away Cooler weather this past weekend, SEMO Athletes back on campus for pre-season workouts, and flipping the calendar to August all mean one thing. The start of the school year is just around the corner and opportunity to staff up with some new employees is just a “Handshake” away.…

SBA Disaster Relief Available for Area Businesses Time is running out, but significant financial assistance remains available for our business community recovering from the devastating May 16 severe storms, straight-line winds, tornadoes, and flooding. Businesses in Scott County, St. Louis County, and the City of St. Louis have until August 11 to apply for physical…

What Missouri’s New Web Accessibility Regulations Mean for Business A recent increase in “sue-and-settle” cases around website accessibility in Missouri has created a good reminder of new rules and regulations that may require updates to your business website. Recent changes to state and federal policy are reshaping digital accessibility expectations—especially for organizations doing business with the public…

Shopping Local is a “Prime” Opportunity Summer sales season is upon us, and there’s never been a better time to discover the incredible value and unique experiences our local retailers offer. The beloved tradition of “summer sales” stretches back generations, when merchants would clear seasonal inventory to make room for fall merchandise. Today, summer sales…

Thank You Dr. Vargas Today marks the end of the academic year for Southeast Missouri State University, and the conclusion of Dr. Carlos Vargas’s 10-years of leadership as the 18th President of SEMO. While many stories have been shared about his academic leadership, it is also important to recognize his work to support business in…

Remember Employee Safety with Summer Temps on the Rise! Summer is officially here and this past weekend we really started to feel the mercury climbing as we broke into 90-degree plus temperatures. As we shift to hotter weather, safety needs to be top of mind. As summer temperatures start to climb the risk of heat…

Show Me Sports Investment Act Sports stadiums aren’t just venues—they’re economic catalysts that stimulate tourism, create jobs, and amplify civic pride. Missouri’s recent legislative push to support the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals vividly illustrates how proactive investment can yield business and community dividends. Last week Missouri lawmakers passed the Show Me Sports Investment Act,…

Expand Business Horizons with Missouri Export Programs Missouri businesses looking to break into international markets have powerful allies in the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Two standout programs are opening doors for companies ready to take their products global. The MO STEP=UP program offers small businesses grant opportunities to fund qualifying international activities that further the importance…